Suzuki Foundation, Quest University discuss marine protection
MIKE CHOUINARD / SQUAMISH CHIEF
The David Suzuki Foundation and Quest University combined efforts recently to give people an inside look at how Howe Sound has been springing back to life.
On Oct. 6, the university hosted the Great Howe Sound Recovery, which included a series of short films presented by the David Suzuki Foundation that give a glimpse of what life is like inside the waters of the sound.
Stephen Foster of the David Suzuki Foundation acted as the moderator for the event and introduced the short films.
The event was timely, according to Foster, because of changes in the government’s attitude around marine protection.
“It’s kind of an interesting time because the new government has changed the discussion around marine protection,” he said.
“National parties are looking at this place as part of the conversation on marine protection.”
Foster said the foundation is interested in a number of issues including community cooperation, enhancing biodiversity and the possibility of a park in Howe Sound, especially with the return of marine life.
“We know that something extraordinary is happening in Howe Sound,” he said.
The evening included five short films, including one in which Squamish’s John Buchanan explores life returning to the Britannia Creek area.
In it, he talks about how he first saw salmon back in the stream and how the creek has rebounded after being one of the most toxic rivers in North America.
“I can’t get enough of this creek,” he said in the film. “It’s the underdog.”
He also talks about changes to the old mine site in terms of plugging up the old sources of pollution and ends by citing the importance of government to scientific efforts to study and support life in the ecosystem, as well as to make up for past mistakes such as firing scientists.
“Government needs to get back in the business of science,” he said.
As well, Buchanan talks about his experience in newspapers and compares himself to a reporter in the water interviewing the fish.
“I love the way he’s always stirring the pot,” Foster said when introducing the film.
Other films included Bob Turner’s Howe Sound – Vancouver’s Wild Neighbour, which chronicles a five-day paddling trip; Roy Mulder’s Cradles of Glass, which examines the importance of glass sponges to marine life and Howe Sound; a profile of biologist Ramona de Graaf and her work to study the role of beaches in supporting life; and a short video by North Vancouver high school student Chris Dietrich.
Source: Squamish Chief