Banner Photo: Sunset in Átl’ḵa7tsem/Txwnéwu7ts/Howe Sound. (Credit: Rich Duncan)
Ocean Watch Rating Legend
Ratings are meant to provide the reader with a visual snapshot summary about the subject. Subject ratings were assigned based on application of the criteria to the information in each article.
1) The status is healthy according to available data, 2) the trend is positive if known, 3) some data are available, and/or 4) actions to address or mitigate are well underway and are known to be effective. Actions should be taken to maintain positive status and/or trend.
Status, trend, data, and/or actions provide contradictory or inconclusive information. Actions are needed to move into positive status and trend and avoid negative status and trend.
1) Impacts or issues are high risk or have resulted in a low or vulnerable status, 2) improvements are uncertain, minor, or slow, and/or 3) actions to address or mitigate are non-existent, vague, or have low effectiveness. Actions are needed to move into positive status and trend.
Not rated due to the nature of the article, or there are not enough data to produce an assessment.
Below are the health ratings for each article. The health rating for 2017 and 2020 are shown for comparison. A rationale is provided for the 2020 health ratings.
To learn more check out the 2020 Executive Summary or the Full 2020 Report.
Climate Change and Oceanography
Article & 2020 Rating Rationale
2017 Rating
2020 Rating
Climate Change NEW
Climate change is a global issue, not just specific to Átl’ḵa7tsem/Txwnéwu7ts/Howe Sound. The problems facing the Sound are complex and multi-faceted. Globally, there is limited progress to reduce drivers of climate change.
Zero Carbon Communities NEW
Canada is one of the 10 countries responsible for the most greenhouse gas emissions in the world. Not enough is being done to reduce these emissions nationally, or globally. Transforming communities to zero carbon emissions is necessary.
Ocean Warming
Globally, record-breaking temperatures continue to occur, which directly impacts ocean temperatures. Ocean warming is causing ecosystem-wide changes. Data specific to Átl’ḵa7tsem/Txwnéwu7ts/Howe Sound is limited.
Ocean Acidification NEW
Ocean acidification has direct impacts on marine species and habitats. A lack of data exists for Átl’ḵa7tsem/Txwnéwu7ts/Howe Sound, although monitoring is being implemented to address this gap.
Shoreline Erosion/Sea Level Rise
Sea level rise and storm surges will continue to negatively impact shorelines in Átl’ḵa7tsem/Txwnéwu7ts/Howe Sound; however, the degree of impact will vary depending on location in the Sound.
Stream Flows
Large interannual variations are observed. A shift in timing of peak flows will have effects on other species.
Squamish Flood Planning
Significant progress has been made on the recommended actions from the 2017 report; however, there is still considerable work to be done, and that relies on funding and implementation continuing.
Species and Habitat
Article & 2020 Rating Rationale
2017 Rating
2020 Rating
Plankton
No data is presented in this update; however, a pilot plankton study using the same sites as Stockner et al. (1977) was undertaken in summer/fall of 2019, as per recommendations from the 2017 report.
Forage Fish
There is a lack of monitoring and data on forage fish in Átl’ḵa7tsem/Txwnéwu7ts/ Howe Sound. Consequently, despite information from citizen scientists, gaps exist; thus, an analysis of trends and population status is not possible.
Sea Stars
For some sea star species, numbers remain low and wasting disease is still observed. However, other species appear relatively common, yet are still susceptible to wasting disease. The risk to these species is likely to increase because of climate change impacts.
Salmon
There is a lack of comprehensive data or stock assessments for wild salmon species in Átl’ḵa7tsem/Txwnéwu7ts/Howe Sound. Status and trends are inconclusive for hatchery species.
Critical Fish Stocks (Previously Rockfish, Lingcod)
No increasing trends have been observed; however, there are some positive signs, such as sightings of schools of juvenile yellowtail rockfish. Improvements are minor or slow; enforcement of rules and laws needs improvement.
Marine Birds
Globally, considerable declines have been observed in marine bird populations due to impacts from climate change and habitat destruction. In the Sound, an Important Bird Area (IBA) was extended; however, the IBA offers no legal protection.
Eagles
There is considerable annual variation in bald eagle counts, with counts in the last three years being similar to the last ten years, but lower compared to earlier periods.
Pinnipeds NEW
Better management has led to increased numbers since the 1970s, and monitoring continues. However, pressure from climate change will likely impact recovering numbers, and population estimates would benefit from more frequent monitoring.
Cetaceans
An increase in large whale numbers and a decrease in small cetacean numbers has been reported. Much forward movement on actions has been taken.
Eelgrass
Efforts to restore and transplant eelgrass are ongoing; however, more work is needed as not all transplants are successful.
Glass Sponges
Considerable advances in knowledge have been made; however, glass sponges remain vulnerable to mechanical damage and climate change.
Annapolis
Increases in the number of marine animals but decreases in marine plants and moss animals (bryozoa) have been noted. Ongoing monitoring is needed.
Squamish Estuary
Many positive actions are being taken to repair this critically important habitat; however, monitoring of these efforts is needed to measure their impacts.
Seafood
Article & 2020 Rating Rationale
2017 Rating
2020 Rating
Sport Fishing
Pressure on fish stocks continues to increase from the rising popularity of sport fishing. There is a lack of monitoring to support stock management and enforcement of regulations.
Shrimp and Prawn Fishery
Stocks have been declining since 2015, resulting in fishery closures. Industry is trying to decrease bycatch mortality.
Clean Water
Article & 2020 Rating Rationale
2017 Rating
2020 Rating
Britannia Mine
Some improvements have been seen following wastewater treatment; however,exceedances of water quality guidelines are still occurring.
Pulp Mill: Marine Effluent
Dioxin and furan contamination in sediment and benthic life is decreasing followingregulations but is still detected.
Wrecked, abandoned, and problem vessels
The passage of Bill C-64 has increased resources available for removal of vessels; however, this is a complex issue and further refining of legislation is necessary.
PollutionTracker NEW
Dioxin and furan concentrations are high, especially in mussels, when compared with other areas along the B.C. Coast. Metals continue to be detected in sediments, sometimes above sediment quality guidelines.
Plastics NEW
Plastics are ubiquitous in our oceans. However, within the Sound data for plastics and microplastics is lacking.
Development
Article & 2020 Rating Rationale
2017 Rating
2020 Rating
Coastal Development
With rapid growth occurring in the region, and subsequent development, sustainable management is key.
Large Vessel Traffic
The volume of large vessel traffic has not changed significantly. However, not all shipping traffic is represented. Risks from vessel traffic continue. Future development may increase vessel numbers. Efforts are being taken to decrease impacts on cetaceans.
Tourism and Recreation
Demands for activities and resources is high, creating pressure on ecosystems, and there is no sign of growth slowing. This growth requires sustainable management, and there is movement towards this, but more needs to be done.
Sense of Place
Article & 2020 Rating Rationale
2017 Rating
2020 Rating
Citizen Science
There are a large number of citizen science activities in the Sound.
Outdoor Learning
There are a large number of outdoor educational organizations and opportunities in the Sound, with an increasing emphasis on traditional knowledge.
Stewardship and Governance
Article & 2020 Rating Rationale
2017 Rating
2020 Rating
Marine Protected Areas
Comprehensive Planning