BC’s coastal waters are home to some of the richest marine ecosystems left on this planet.  Our salt waters are home to many ocean “giants”, including orcas, the world’s largest octopus, sea stars, scallops, the orange peel nudibranch and sea urchins. The diversity of basic life forms in BC’s ocean world is greater than on land. Close to 7,000 marine species—almost 4% of the world’s total marine species—are found in our province. Marine biodiversity experts believe this number could double once BC’s marine habitat is fully explored. A Special Place.

Half of the world's oxygen is produced by plankton and algae living in the oceans, meaning that every second breath you take is generated by the oceans. Ocean ecosystems play a critical role in moderating global warming, because the oceans absorb a volume of greenhouse gases equal to that absorbed by the plants and soils of the land. BC's coastal marine ecosystem is beginning to undergo a rapid and silent collapse that parallels recent ecosystem collapses in Atlantic Canada and the Gulf of Mexico. More than 60 BC marine species--from recently-discovered glass sponge reefs to otters and humpback whales--are in peril. Mismanagement, oil spills, urban and industrial activity, acidification, loss of oxygen and warming water all endanger the survival of BC’s dazzling array of marine life. Stock collapses have already taken their toll on Pacific salmon, halibut, sturgeon, humpback and orca whales, lingcod, and English sole, among many other species. Coastal marine ecosystems have suffered greatly as a consequence, and so have B.C.'s fishing communities. The spectre of oil tanker traffic along BC’s inland coast for the first time in more than 30 years--along with proposed offshore oil and gas development--compounds the myriad dangers facing our marine species and ecosystems. Threats to Our Coastal Ecosystems.

Rockfish

While the challenges appear daunting, this is also a time of great opportunity and hope. We have already made considerable progress towards protecting some of our threatened fish species. Sierra Club BC successfully campaigned for a wild salmon conservation policy. We spearheaded a groundfish reform process that led to the designation of conservation areas and mandatory at-sea monitoring of all harvests and by-catch. Our wallet-sized seafood card, “Canada’s Seafood Guide,” helps consumers make seafood choices that support healthy marine ecosystems. Sierra Club BC promotes increased funding for coastal marine environment monitoring, enforcement and habitat protection. Campaigns Overview.

Collapsing fisheries and other signs of ecological decline warn us that we are pushing the limits of what our ocean is able to absorb. Marine use planning can help us become more strategic about how and what we take from the ocean--and what we put into it. Sierra Club BC is a key voice promoting a marine use planning table for the Pacific North Coast--the ocean adjacent to the Great Bear Rainforest. Solutions That Work.

There are many ways to help conserve BC’s stunning marine life and ecosystems. From making more sustainable seafood purchases to writing letters to government at budget time, you will be surprised at what a difference you can make! You can also support our seafood and oceans campaign directly with a targeted donation. What You Can Do.