New Program Protects B.C.'S Ocean, Coastal Communities

A new program will focus on preventing the effects of climate change on B.C.’s oceans and watersheds and protecting seafood and marine life.

“We are encouraged by the Government of B.C.’s commitment to support coastal communities in taking actions that address the effects of climate change on ecosystems and livelihoods,” said Eric Peterson, co-founder and director, Tula Foundation.

“As the lead organization supporting delivery of the Climate Ready BC Seafood Program, we will mobilize resources to generate collaborative knowledge and understanding of ocean acidification and hypoxia, and solutions that support the resilience and well-being of ecosystems and people in British Columbia.”

The Province recently completed the British Columbia Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia (BC OAH) Action Plan in response to a preliminary assessment that identified ocean acidification as a significant climate-change risk to B.C.’s seafood sector.

The Climate Ready BC Seafood Program will target funding toward high-priority actions identified in the plan, including new marine carbon removal technologies as well as research and testing into acidification and low oxygen levels in the water.

“Our government is deeply committed to protecting B.C.’s oceans and watersheds as it’s essential to the economy, to the province and to First Nations in B.C.,” said Michele Babchuk, MLA for North Island.

“The Climate Ready BC Seafood Program will support B.C.’s remote, coastal communities and the thousands of jobs the seafood sector provides for British Columbians.”

The Ocean Decade Collaborative Centre, a division of the Campbell-River-based Tula Foundation, is receiving as much as $2 million to deliver the Climate Ready BC Seafood Program.

The program will be ready to accept applications this summer.

To see the full release, visit Government of British Columbia.