Profiling British Columbia, Canada - The Little Campbell River

General description

Located 35 km south of Vancouver on the Pacific Coast, the Little Campbell River is part of a system of small coastal river basins that support the rich biodiversity of the Fraser River Lowlands. The river's basin is about 75 square km in area, and includes broadleaf and coniferous forests, wetlands, and riparian and estuarine habitats. Agriculture is the predominant land use in the upper reaches and upland areas with heavy urbanization occurring in the lower reaches. The Semiahmoo First Nations Reserve is located at the mouth of the river. A Rocha's Canadian field study centre lies about 2 km upriver from the estuary.

Importance for conservation

The river supports significant runs of Pacific Salmon: Coho, Chinook, Chum and Pink, as well as endangered Steelhead. Productive spawning and rearing habitat exists along the main river and in the lower reaches of the tributaries. Boundary Bay, of which Semiahmoo Bay and the Little Campbell River estuary are a part, is the top-rated Important Bird Area (IBA) in Canada. This bay is an important stopover point for migrating birds on the Pacific Flyway up the west coast of North America. Mudflats and eelgrass beds provide food for many shorebird species and rearing habitat for juvenile salmon on outward migration. Great Blue Herons use the estuary for feeding and a nesting colony is nearby. The river basin also offers significant habitat for riparian-dependent species, including the endangered Pacific Water Shrew.

Conservation concerns

The main threat to the Little Campbell River is increasing urbanization, especially in the lower reaches. Fragmentation and removal of riparian habitat is occurring in many areas as land is converted to farmland. Urban and agricultural run-off is degrading water quality and invasive species are decreasing biodiversity in some areas. The river also experiences low water levels in summer as a result of water withdrawals and decreasing groundwater levels.

Achievements to date

A Rocha Canada has been involved in habitat restoration projects to restore spawning and rearing habitat for salmon. Projects have included removing culverts blocking fish access, placing gravel to create spawning habitat, and planting native plants to restore riparian vegetation. Research initiatives include species surveys, river basin and foreshore mapping, and monitoring water quality through aquatic invertebrate sampling. Education programs have been initiated to educate local communities about the importance of caring for the river basin.

Vision for the future

Through working with other stewardship groups, A Rocha Canada hopes to build bridges with landowners, First Nations and local government to build an awareness of the river's ecological significance in the local community. It is hoped that stewardship initiatives will protect riparian areas, and improve habitat and water quality. Through research and monitoring, we aim to inform government management and those at decision-making levels so that future development will respect the river basin's natural values and protect key areas of habitat.