Stewardship & Education
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Eelgrass Transplant
Eelgrass (Zostera marina) traditionally grew in upper Howe Sound, primarily in what is now the Mamquam Blind Channel. Eelgrass provides important habitat values for fisheries, waterfowl and numerous other aquatic based ecosystems. Over the decades eelgrass beds have been negatively impacted by loss of estuary by past and present industrial, commerical and residential development in the Squamish Estuary and its surrounding watersheds.
Records indicate that Squamish Nation traditionally harvested eelgrass for herring roe which provided an important part of their diet.
In 2005 a pilot project was undertaken in which test plots were planted in several locations in the Mamquam Blind Channel and Cattermole Slough. The Mamquam Blind Channel sites have been expanded upon and within a few years are expected to be self-sufficient. Through restoration projects such as the eelgrass transplant program the community of Squamish is once again learning of the importance of the sub-tidal ecosystem and getting a better understanding of the importance of shoreline stewardship initiatives.
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