Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Summary
- In collaboration with 23 First Nations and organizations, the Province will invest more than $2.5 million in 2026 toward 20 marine stewardship projects along the coast
- These projects strengthen the health of coastal marine ecosystems, support traditional food systems, reduce pollution and build more resilient coastlines
- These investments are key actions in B.C.’s Coastal Marine strategy, and advance Indigenous-led stewardship
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More than 20 new projects are underway to support coastal economies and help keep B.C.’s coastal marine ecosystems healthy, including innovative solutions, such as kelp restoration and monitoring using AI technology and survey work using submersible remotely operated vehicles.
“Our coast sustains all of us, providing food, livelihoods and connection, and it’s our responsibility to care for it in return,” said Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “By working in partnership with First Nations to restore habitats, reduce pollution, strengthen shoreline resilience and support traditional food systems, these initiatives turn Indigenous-led stewardship into lasting action, giving back to the waters and lands that have cared for communities for generations, and to ensure our shores remain healthy and resilient for the future.”
The Province has committed more than $2.5 million and is partnering with 23 coastal First Nations and organizations on projects that span B.C.’s coastline.
Projects support families, jobs and coastal communities, and have created local employment opportunities for many people. The projects began this past winter and continue into the spring and future years, with a focus on:
- restoring near-shore habitats and improving shoreline resilience
- cleaning up and preventing future marine pollution
- supporting traditional seafood systems
- contributing to wild salmon recovery
- scaling up capacity for kelp monitoring
- supporting Indigenous-led guidance for responsible marine recreation and tourism
Furthering the B.C. Coastal Marine Strategy
Following the recent historic agreement to establish a new national marine conservation area reserve on the central coast, this is another step in the Province’s efforts to safeguard marine ecosystems, while supporting the people and communities that depend on them.
These new projects help advance the goals of the B.C. Coastal Marine Strategy, released in July 2024, and reflect government’s commitment to reconciliation, shared stewardship and Indigenous leadership in protecting marine environments.
The B.C. Coastal Marine Strategy provides a framework for collaborative action with First Nations, local governments, communities and partners to ensure healthy, resilient coastal and marine ecosystems that support food security, cultural practices and sustainable economies. Co-developed with many coastal First Nations, the strategy sets out a vision for a diverse, productive and resilient coastal marine environment that is valued in its own right and that supports the prosperity, health and well-being of coastal communities now and into the future.
World Oceans Day
June 8 is celebrated internationally as World Oceans Day, a day to recognize oceans as a life source, producing at least 50% of Earth’s oxygen, home to most of the world’s biodiversity and providing the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world. The ocean is also a key economic driver, often referred to as the “blue economy,” employing more than 130,000 people in B.C. and contributing an estimated $1.5 trillion per year to the global economy.
Quotes:
Chief Don Svanvik, ’Na̱mg̱is First Nation –
“The ’Na̱mg̱is are very pleased with the assistance in cleaning up debris and derelict vessels from our beach. We are hopeful it will inspire people to be more careful and work harder at looking after and respecting our environment. A responsibility we all share. Gilakasla.”
Chief Harley Chappell, Semiahmoo First Nation –
“Semiahmoo First Nation is very pleased to access the supports of the coastal marine strategy. Semiahmoo strives to strengthen our access to our traditional food sources within our traditional territory. We are pleased to partner with B.C. to further our food-security needs.”
Mandala Smulders, director of operations, Redd Fish Restoration –
“This funding has supported one of the largest kelp restoration projects in coastal British Columbia, led by the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and Redd Fish Restoration Society, advancing Indigenous-led stewardship, while rebuilding critical near-shore habitats essential to salmon, biodiversity and the health of coastal ecosystems. This project would not be possible without the help of Coastal Marine Strategy funding.”
Learn More:
- B.C.’s Coastal Marine Strategy: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/bc-coastal-marine-strategy
- Mia-yaltwa Ha’lidzogm hoon national marine conservation area reserve:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/stories/mia-yaltwa-halidzogm-hoon-a-collaborative-approach-to-marine-protection-announced-for-the-central-co - Minister’s statement on Central Coast marine protection area: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026WLRS0027-000582
A backgrounder follows.
