Recent conservation efforts in British Columbia have led to significant advancements in protecting salmon habitats, crucial for maintaining biodiversity. In a landmark agreement, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, supported by federal funding and private donors, purchased Carey Island in the Fraser River. This initiative, celebrated by habitat programs director Lina Azeez, provides vital refuge for juvenile salmon during their migration to the ocean.
Moreover, Watershed Watch Salmon Society has made strides by installing fish-friendly floodgates, enhancing access to over 1,700 kilometers of spawning habitat. Ken Wu from the Endangered Ecosystem Alliance noted the expansion of protected areas, including the Klinse-za / Twin Sisters Park, safeguarding endangered caribou habitats.
Indigenous leadership has been pivotal in these efforts. The Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations recently announced the protection of 760 square kilometers of old-growth forest, marking a significant milestone in biodiversity conservation. Hunter Lampreau emphasized the necessity of Indigenous involvement in wildlife stewardship for effective habitat protection.
As 2025 approaches, these developments signal a hopeful trajectory for marine and terrestrial ecosystems in B.C.