Gambier Island Streamkeeping
The Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society initiated a Gambier Island Steamkeeping project in 2024, following their 2023 report titled “Knowing Our Streams; a review of knowledge and stewardship programs of fish-bearing streams within the Átl’ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region”. This report identified gaps in stewardship efforts and the state of knowledge with respect to the overarching goal of conserving these species and their habitats. The report revealed gaps in information on fish-bearing streams on Cha7élkwnech / Gambier Island. This streamkeeping project continues the work that began with this report.
Fish have been observed in many streams on Cha7élkwnech / Gambier, but either data does not exist, or it has not been updated for many years. To ensure the healthy survival of fish and biodiversity in general, we need to first observe, record and monitor changes over time. Initiating a long-term water temperature dataset, documenting species presence, and selecting habitat monitoring sites are the first steps towards monitoring change in habitat quality over time for anadromous and resident fish and other stream-dwelling species.
There is also a need to encourage the Gambier communities, through engagement, to care for their local creeks and participate in stewardship, monitoring and education.
This project occurs in collaboration with the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation, the Átl’ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and builds relationships with local stewards. We contracted Stamford Environmental to supervise the work, and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw ACE Technicians have participated in the training and monitoring. This project has so far been possible with funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Pacific Salmon Foundation, Sitka Foundation, and the Gambier Island Conservancy.
Healthy watersheds breed healthy communities! Please consider donating in support of the stewardship and monitoring of your local creeks. If you are interested in becoming a streamkeeper, contact gambierconservancy@gmail.com.
