Fraser Estuary Research Collaborative

This project aimed to promote the intentional use of values-based approaches in coastal adaptation. The resulting literature review summarizes how values are conceptualized, operationalized, and integrated into coastal adaptation strategies. This report, intended for practitioners and program staff, highlights lessons learned, identifies entry points for integrating values-based approaches, and offers practical guidance to enhance the impact and sustainability of coastal adaptation efforts.

Partner: Fraser Basin Council Society  
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation Grant)
Keywords: climate adaptation, climate resilience, leadership & behaviour change, water 

The Maplewood Flats Conservation Area is home to sixteen ecosystems in 256 acres. The site's ecosystems are at risk of being lost due to rising sea levels and flooding. This project mapped the ecosystems at Maplewood Flats and modeled inundation levels on site to better understand its impacts. Finally, the plants, topography, ecosystem zones, and inundation were graphically depicted in sections. Drawing on this information the reoprt suggests areas for coastal adaptation strategies and pilot projects.

Partner: UBC
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation Grant)
Keywords: biodiversity, climate adaptation, climate resilience, water 

This project aims to evaluate the condition of habitat availability for Out Migrating Juvenile Salmon in the Lower Fraser Estuary. Using a GIS methodology the project uses existing habitat, shoreline conditions, and land use as the base of the analysis. A final series of maps shows the results of habitat availability and accessibility. The results aim to hopefully support future habitat restoration projects to better support Salmon in the Lower Fraser River and Estuary.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation Grant)
Keywords: biodiversity, climate resilience, ecological systems, water 

This project investigates citizen science, or community-based science, as a method for monitoring Canadian mini forests, including those planted in the Fraser Estuary. Monitoring mini forests is important for understanding the impacts of this novel approach to urban greening, including determining the benefits to urban biodiversity, water infiltration, and soil health. The report includes a citizen science monitoring guide, protocol instructions, and monitoring tracking sheets for volunteer use.

Partner: Green Communities Canada
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation Grant)
Keywords: biodiversity, climate resilience, green infrastructure 

The project examines the impact of in-river gravel mining on flood control and Pacific salmon habitat by assessing how gravel extraction changes riverbed conditions and affects salmon habitat. Based on a literature review, the study aims to enhance flood resilience and sediment management in the Chilliwack/Vedder River while addressing ecological challenges. It examines nature-based solutions, like floodplain rehabilitation, to improve flood resilience and salmon habitat.

Partner: Watershed Watch Salmon Society
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation Grant)
Keywords: ecological systems, habitat restoration, flood Management, nature-based solutions

On a global scale, Indigenous peoples are disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change, largely due to their close relationship to and reliance on traditional lands. This paper introduces nature based solutions (NbS) as they pertain to flood management across the Fraser Valley. Topics reviewed include: current state of flood infrastructure, regional flood strategies, nature-based solutions, organisations that support flood resiliency. The report includes a feasibilty map and a discussion of natural asset management and ways it can be Indigenized.

Partner: Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre (SRRMC)
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation Grant)
Keywords: ecological systems, water, flooding, Indigenous, biodiversity  

The project is focused on understanding how collaborative efforts can be improved to enhance and restore the interconnected systems of the Boundary Bay Basin that lies within the unceded territory of the Semiahmoo First Nation and straddles the Canadian and US border. It provides recommendations on best practices and suitable approaches to advance collaboration on efforts that include enhancing water quality and restoring traditional harvesting practices.

Partner: Fraser Basin Council Society
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation)
Keywords: biodiversity, ecological systems  

This report highlights lessons learned from Indigenous-led conservation initiatives in Canada. These identified best practices inform future conservation actions and initiatives to support Species At Risk (SAR) in S'ólh Téméxw (roughly translated to "our land," referring to Stó:lō territory). Lessons include: foregrounding ceremony, choosing strategies according to cultural teachings and ethics, and writing culturally-situated management plans.

Partner: Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation)
Keywords: biodiversity, social sustainability

This project focuses on mitigating the environmental impact of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) marine infrastructures. It analyzes EPS applications, regulations, and current efforts, and aims to recommend sustainable alternatives and strategies for an EPS ban. Promising alternatives are identified through market research, while regulatory review stresses clear definitions. The purpose of this project is to support a targeted campaign to ban EPS in British Columbia through provincial and federal laws.

Partner: Surfrider Foundation Canada Chapters
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation)
Keywords: ecological systems, waste management & recycling, water