https://bcparks.ca/desolation-sound-marine-park
Desolation Sound Marine Park is home to eelgrass habitats that play a crucial role in supporting marine biodiversity. To further our understanding of biodiversity recovery in the region, we are monitoring eelgrass beds with valuable support from the Tla’amin, Klahoose, and Hamalco Nations, and the University of British Columbia.
To study these vital habitats, small area closures are in place, marked by ‘no anchoring’ buoys. Around Williams Island, boaters must not anchor in the areas delineated by the ‘no anchoring’ buoys. At Copplestone Island, anchoring is not permitted between the buoys.
Our study also includes annual eelgrass monitoring to assess the potential recovery of the eelgrass beds, and evaluate the effectiveness of the closures.
Boating and anchoring closure areas are in place to protect crucial eelgrass bed habitats. Around Williams Island, boaters must not anchor in the areas delineated by the ‘no anchoring’ buoys. At Copplestone Island, anchoring is not permitted between the buoys.
Conservation
Desolation Sound Marine Park is home to eelgrass beds that play a crucial role in supporting the marine environment. They are a cornerstone of marine biodiversity, providing essential habitat and food for fish, birds, clams, shrimp, and other invertebrate populations. Eelgrass helps stabilize shorelines to prevent erosion, and improves water quality by filtering out pollutants and excess nutrients from run-off.
Eelgrass beds exhibit remarkable productivity, sequestering ‘blue carbon’ within marine sediments, and delivering a valuable ecosystem service in coastal regions. While generating oxygen, they act as a carbon dioxide repository, aiding in the fight against climate change.
Worldwide, eelgrass beds remain vulnerable to human-induced threats, like urban development, boat anchoring and traffic, dredging, pollution, and sedimentation. Safeguarding and rehabilitating eelgrass beds, both in Canada and worldwide, is of paramount importance.
Area closures in Desolation Sound are marked by ‘no anchoring’ buoys. These help to protect eelgrass beds from damage caused by boat rotor blades and anchors. In collaboration with the Tla’amin, Homalco, and Klahoose Nations and the University of British Columbia, we monitor the closure areas to study their health and recovery.