In 2017 The Coastal Ocean Research Institute (Vancouver Aquarium), produced the Ocean Watch Howe Sound Report. This comprehensive report was a culmination of collaboration and engagement supported by the Howe Sound Community Forum (HSCF). It provided a snapshot assessment of the health of the Howe Sound marine area and action items to be taken in order to improve ocean health. The HSCF members supported the creation of the Ocean Watch Task Force (OWTF) with a mandate as stated in the Terms of Reference (Nov. 2017) to:

  • Identify which actions in the Ocean Watch: Howe Sound Action Plan are within the mandate and reach of member communities

  • Focus on identifying selected actions by Local Governments for implementation and highlight potential actions that include policy integration and collaboration between member Local governments and First Nations

  • Contribute information on what action local governments and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Uxwumixw are already undertaking toward the goals

  • Recommend a process through which the selected actions get done

  • Complete its work within six months.

Local governments appointed staff and elected representatives to participate in task force meetings. The task force met approximately every six weeks and Co-Chair Trustee Stamford reported to the HSCF in May 2018. A request to extend the term of the Task Force was supported, the Terms of Reference updated (Jan. 2019). The deliverables were a) bring forward recommendations and processes to HSCF members that target selected actions for local governments to achieve, and b) report at the HSCF on recommendations, timelines and progress to-date on the Action Plan.

An example of supported actions by local governments was the funding and leadership of the Marine Reference Guide. This project is on track to complete in 2021.

Co-Chair Stamford reported on the strategic plan as part of the deliverable at the HSCF April 2019. The Task Force continued to meet regularly concluding with targeted selected actions for local governments to achieve. The final report and recommendations were presented by Co-Chair Doug Race at the HSCF October 2019 with further recommendations:

In September 2020, Ocean Wise (formerly known as Vancouver Aquarium) undertook an update on action items and produced the Átl’ḵa7tsem/Txwnéwu7ts/Howe Sound Edition 2020 (OWHS 2020)  New information and actions items will amend the Task Force strategic plan. 

For more information see Ocean Watch Action Committee.

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