Fish & Marine Life

Gambier island’s fresh water runoff and its surrounding waters of the deep fjord of the Salish Sea creates an abundance of fish and other marine species. Gambier's creeks support several fresh-water fish species, mostly salmonids. Chum Salmon and Steelhead (ocean-going Rainbow Trout) mature in the creeks, and then head off to sea. Introduced Rainbow Trout are present in some of the lakes.
The environmental recovery of the waters in Howe Sound from decades of pollution from harmful industry is witnessed regularly much to the delight of islanders. Viewing Humpbacks, orcas, dolphins from the deck of your cabin is a thrilling reminder of the value in protecting our oceans.

There are many important areas around the island currently under specific fishing regulations in order to protect fish habitat. It is important to check fishing licenses to know where these areas are, and report poaching to Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

The Conservancy participates in restoration and protection project with other groups like Sea Change who have been undertaking eelgrass planting and restoration. The articifical reef Anapolis in Halkett Bay is a popular diving spot and is under monitoring to measure the habitat it was intended to reintroduce to an area still damaged from log booms.

Sea lions, seals, mink and River Otters inhabit some of our creeks, and on quiet mornings, you may see them playing on the docks.