Resilient Estuaries of the Salish Sea

We would like to first acknowledge that Oak Bay is located on the unceded lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples, also known today as the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. We are privileged to be living, learning and working on these lands, which have been stewarded by Indigenous people since time immemorial. The special connection between the land and its Indigenous population continues to this day, and we honour that relationship by treating the land and its people with respect.

The Oak Bay Estuary, where Bowker Creek meets the ocean, is a treasured ecosystem and community space. This estuary provides critical habitat for wildlife and fosters a connection between people and nature. Decades of human activity, however, including pollution, debris, and habitat modification, have pushed it to the brink of ecological collapse. Yet estuaries are known for their resilience; efforts to restore this fragile environment are underway, offering hope for a healthier future.

Increased human use of the bay threatens the ecological integrity of this vital marine ecosystem. Key issues contributing to the degradation include debris pollution from the marina, runoff from Bowker Creek, and the presence of abandoned 'ghost gear' (marine equipment such as traps, anchors, line, and chain).

"We tend to love estuaries to death" - Sarah Cook, SeaChange

In early 2024, SeaChange Marine Conservation Society removed 3.9 tonnes of trash from the seafloor, revealing the depths of the issue.

The area around Oak Bay was originally surrounded by Garry Oak trees and possessed some natural shelter from the larger ocean currents. As time passed, Garry oak trees and other native vegetation were slowly replaced by seaside homes.

A breakwater was constructed in 1959 to further protect the bay from outside currents and waves.

Shortly afterwards, in 1962, the Oak May Marina was built.

Both the marina and breakwater provide boats with a safe harbour to anchor in.

Limited access to the ocean The breakwater and other structures restricts tidal flushing, a phenomenon that rejuvenates and clears the bay of contaminants.

Pollution E.g: leaking engine fuel and overboard waste. Pollution can deplete the oxygen and release toxic substances that damage the local organisms and ecosystem. Additionally, waste debris is also capable of tangling marine life and physically preventing underwater habitats from flourishing.

Seafloor damage Caused by anchors or other make-shift mooring systems. The heavy weight of these objects can result in physical damage to the seafloor, as well as the eelgrass beds growing underwater.

Sunken vessels Sunken vessels obstruct the growth of eelgrass and other vital marine habitats, limiting the estuary's ecological potential.

Thank you for reading the story of some of the resilient estuaries of the Salish Sea! Together, we can enjoy, protect, and marvel at the beauty and diversity of our oceans--which make up 70% of our planet.