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Bev Bullen Victoria Natural History Society Victoria, British Columbia The importance of conserving our sensitive marine ecosystem has been recognized by three levels of government. Legislation is presently being developed to establish and maintain a series of marine conservation areas in all of Canada's marine region. As part of this process the BC government is working with numerous stakeholders, including the three levels of government, First Nations, fishermen, scientists and academics to develop a strategy that would protect sensitive areas. It is a complicated process. Pollution from sewage by pleasure craft and houseboats in areas of low tidal flushing was identified as one area of concern. In 1996 interested parties were requested to name sensitive marine or landlocked water bodies that were suffering because of such pollution. In 1996 the Victoria Natural History Society identified the following areas for designation.; Victoria Harbour, our focal point for Victoria; Esquimalt Harbour and Cadboro Bay. It was felt that these areas particularly have suffered from sewage discharged by houseboats and pleasure craft. The CRD has recognized that the waters in Victoria and Esquimalt Harbours contain some of the greatest pollution along our coastline. An Environmental Management Strategy was set up to improve the environmental quality of these harbours. This was developed by VEHEAP (Victoria and Esquimalt Harbours Environmental Action Program) and has a five year plan for harbour environment improvement. On July 2, 1997 a presentation on behalf of the VNHS was made to the CRD requesting that the capital city take the lead in the disposal of sewage by pleasure craft and houseboats, and support the above designations. It is felt that most pleasure boaters and fishermen in the rest of the province will act wisely and do their part in pollution control if they see that a positive lead is taken by Victoria. On September 10, 1997 the Capital Region District Board supported the designation of Victoria Harbour (including the Gorge and Portage Inlet); Esquimalt Harbour, and also Saanich Inlet. These designations had gone through a consultative process. Cadboro bay was not included. However, on September 19 1997 the Office of Boating Safety (Coast Guard) stated that the National Office feels that more information is needed on the proposed designation sites before they could be considered. And so the pollution by pleasure craft and houseboats continues. All the while more agencies and stakeholders are becoming aware that our marine environments which add greatly to our environmental, economic and social values continue to suffer from pollution by sewage contamination. The need for approval of designations is ever more urgent. If you support this initiative or have comments on the designation of water bodies under the Pleasure Craft Sewage Prevention Regulations the person to contact is:
Marc Pakenham Canadian Coast Guard 25 Huron Street Victoria BC V8V 4Y9 (250) 480-2792 |
