SAVENYE ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREA

FORAGE FISH SPAWNING HABITAT REHABILITATION PROJECT

Abstract

The forage fish spawning habitat restoration project (the project) was undertaken to improve spawning habitat for near-shore forage fish Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) and surf smelt (Hypomesus pretiosus) in the Savenye Environmentally Sensitive Area (SESA), located within Blackie Spit Park along Boundary Bay, British Columbia (BC). The SESA is located to the south of Blackie Spit, at the mouth of the Nicomekl River. The project was undertaken in partnership with the Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society (FoSBS) and the City of Surrey Parks Department. 

The restoration plan included the removal of invasive species and creosote logs, replanting marine riparian vegetation, and augmenting the substrate of the high shore habitat with smaller sized gravels and sand (1mm to 1 cm). The invasive species for removal included English cork elm (Ulmus procera), Scotch broom (Cystis scoparius), spurge-laurel (Daphne laureola), and tansy (Tanacetum vulgare). 

Environmental and public outreach objectives for the site included enhanced habitat quality for a variety of species as well as an informed community engaged in the act of stewardship of the area. These objectives are all long-term objectives and cannot be accurately assessed in the short timeframe of this project. However, short-term successes (such as maintaining the appropriate gravel substrate and shading of the beach) are the keystone to achieving longer-term success of the wider environmental objectives.