+ 4.1 Implement appropriate regulations to curtail actions that are detrimental to the environment (e.g., pesticides, pollutants, boating, development).

• New marine zones are under development for Squamish marine areas as part of Stage 2 of the overall Squamish Zoning Bylaw Update in 2020. The intent of these municipal marine regulations is to provide for and enhance the coordination, shared use and protection of marine coastal areas within the District of Squamish.

• The Town of Gibsons and Village of Lions Bay are amending their bylaws to address the threats posed by free roaming cats to biodiversity conservation, human health and cat welfare. Read more here.

+ 4.2 Strengthen protections for vulnerable ecosystem components including legal protection, e.g., Important Bird Areas.

• Islands Trust Conservancy received half a million dollars over three years to support species at risk in the Howe Sound. Possibly the expansion of bird designations across the islands. Focusing on forest protection

• The English Bay, Burrard Inlet & Howe Sound Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) is soon to be re-assessed as a Key Biodiversity Area, which is the taxonomically inclusive recognition of the wildlife of the area. Birds Canada is leading this re-assessment with partners at the IUCN, Wildlife Conservation Society, WWF, Nature Serve and Nature Canada. There is confidence that Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound will qualify as a Key Biodiversity Area. For more KBA material, please view this story map.

+ 4.3 Explore the option of citizens or First Nations working with government agencies (e.g., a ranger program or something akin to the Coastal Guardian Watchmen Program).

• Spring 2021, in collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), the Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council recruited local volunteers to help us survey for European Green Crab in Howe Sound, which will involve setting multiple crab traps at pre-determined sites, and then returning 24 hours later to collect & record data.

+ 4.4 Other Frameworks influencing policy

• September 2021, Átl'ka7tsem / Howe Sound was designated Canada's 19th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The designation requires a management plan that will set out how the region obtains the objectives of the UNESCO Biosphere program, and the governance structure. The designation is reviewed every ten years.