Guide for tourism operators’ actions:
how to mitigate impact on the ocean.
Discover how tourism operators on Vancouver Island are taking proactive steps to mitigate their impact on the ocean and contribute to its protection. From choosing sustainably sourced seafood to reducing plastic waste and supporting local ocean conservation efforts, these operators are leading the way in responsible tourism practices. Learn about the challenges they're addressing, the innovative solutions they're implementing, and how you can make a positive impact during your visit to this stunning island destination.
Katerina Moiseeva | Shaw center
Choose Sustainably Sourced Seafood
Problem: Our planet relies on marine ecosystems for vital services, but overfishing, pollution, and resource depletion threaten these ecosystems, impacting our well-being.
Statistics: More than 90% of the world's fish stocks are fully exploited, overexploited, or collapsed, potentially leading to the end of commercial fishing by mid-century.
Solution: Introduce sustainability labels and guides to help consumers make informed choices. Organizations like Ocean Wise are educating businesses about serving sustainable seafood, leading to restaurants on Vancouver Island.
Examples: Red Fish Blue Fish, Wild Mountain, Ricky’s All Day Grill, and The Pointe Restaurant at Wickaninnish Inn.
Plastic Waste Reduction
Problem: Consumer products are a major source of plastic waste, polluting oceans and harming marine life. Plastic waste produced near coastlines poses a high risk to oceans.
Statistics: Ocean plastics have an estimated $US 1.5 trillion economic impact, with annual microplastic releases estimated at 800 ktons to as high as 2500 ktons. In 2019, Ocean Conservancy collected over 3 million straws and stirrers, over 3 million food wrappers, and more than 1.5 million plastic bottles.
Solution: Remove, recycle, or divert waste, preventing it from entering waterways. Create value-added products from collected ocean plastics, establish international supply chains, and develop effective waste management infrastructure. Upcycle plastics to generate new products and reduce environmental impacts. Addressing ocean waste benefits the environment by saving aquatic life and ensuring cleaner water systems. Upcycling adds economic value while reducing the environmental burden of ocean plastics.
Examples: The Cumberland depot collects ocean plastics, sending them to Ocean Legacy's processing center. The Vancouver Island Green Business Collective (VIGBC) guides local businesses in reducing environmental impact by encouraging behavioral change, emissions reduction, and waste diversion.
Wix images
Wix images
Ghost Fishing Gear
Problem: Abandoned fishing gear contributes significantly to ocean plastic pollution, posing risks to marine life and habitats.
Statistics: Approximately 640,000 tons of discarded fishing equipment enter the ocean annually, causing a 10% decline in global fish stocks.
Solution: Identify and remove derelict fishing gear using specialized vessels and diving teams. Promote the recycling and repurposing of old fishing nets and gear. Implement policies to discourage disposing of old fishing nets directly into the sea. Businesses can sponsor projects for large-scale debris removal.
Examples: Rugged Coast Research Society collaborates with local businesses in Nanaimo to restore and protect remote marine habitats by removing debris. The Coastal Restoration Society in Sooke focuses on removing ghost fishing gear and other debris from the ocean.
Support Local Ocean Conservation/Regeneration Through Education
Problem: Tourists often lack knowledge about ocean conservation and its importance, placing additional burdens on marine ecosystems.
Solution: Educate travelers about sustainable programs, certifications, and offer adventure-learning programs. Promote attitudinal shifts and lifestyle changes that conserve marine life. Provide information about local marine threats, fostering sustainable behavior among tourists. Encourage donations to marine protection programs benefiting marine environments.
Statistics: Tourists' knowledge about marine wildlife leads to pro-environmental attitudes and improved on-site behavior changes, including engagement in conservation actions and donations benefiting marine ecosystems.
Examples: The Ucluelet Aquarium Society promotes education about Vancouver Island's marine ecosystems and supports initiatives to remove microplastics and marine debris. The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea in Sidney enriches both locals and tourists with ocean literacy, contributing to ocean conservation efforts.
Katerina Moiseeva | Shaw center
Wix images
Reduce Water Usage on Vancouver Island
Problem: Vancouver Island faces water scarcity issues, particularly during dry seasons. excessive water usage, especially in the tourism industry, can strain local water resources and harm aquatic ecosystems. Adverse impacts on fish have already been observed in Level 4 areas, primarily due to very high-water temperatures and low flow conditions. This has led to the dewatering of riffle habitats and disconnected side channels, which can harm aquatic ecosystems.
Statistics: British Columbia ranks drought levels from 0 to 5, with Level 5 being the most severe. Currently, the East Vancouver Island Basin is at Drought Level 4, indicating likely adverse impacts on people and ecosystems. The West Vancouver Island Basin is at Drought Level 3, where adverse impacts are possible but not as severe as Level 4. Specific watersheds, including Sandhill Creek, Koksilah River, Chemainus River, and others, are identified as areas of particular concern for additional impacts due to water scarcity and drought. These areas are at high risk of adverse effects.
Solution: Tourism operators can implement water-saving measures such as low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, limiting outdoor watering, scheduling irrigation based on crop needs, improving water system efficiency, and reducing non-essential water use; water recycling systems to treat wastewater and reuse it for non-potable purposes, such as landscape irrigation. Educational campaigns are important in encouraging tourists to use water wisely and promote responsible water usage and engage tourists in conservation efforts. Tourism operators can provide guests with information about local water conservation practices and encourage them to participate.
Examples: The Parkside Hotel & Spa in Victoria, Cedarwood Inn & Suites in Sidney, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge use collected rainwater for landscape irrigation, flushing toilets, supplying water for heating and cooling systems.