A First Nation history and approach to acidification in Burrard Inlet

• Main Authors: Konovsky, John, Morin, Jesse
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Western CEDAR 2014
• Subjects: Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology; First Nations; Ocean acidification
• Online Access: https://cedar.wwu.edu/ssec/2014ssec/Day2/177; https://cedar.wwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1303&context=ssec

In Burrard Inlet, the shellfish resources First Nations have traditionally relied upon are being affected by acidification. The archaeological record and traditional ecological knowledge coupled with long term data on pH levels can potentially be used to understand changes in species composition over the last 3000 years. However, because of 40 years of bivalve harvest restrictions, the effect of acidification on bivalve species composition has not been well recognized by First Nation communities. If the intention is to re-establish bivalve harvest opportunities in Burrard Inlet, First Nations will have to recognize and address acidification, perhaps by implementing recommendations from the Washington State Blue Ribbon Panel on Ocean Acidification.