Baynes Sound and Lambert Channel are vital to the survival and growth of the creatures that make up the Pacific Marine Ecosystem
In 2012, DFO designated the waters of Baynes Sound and Lambert Channel as an Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area (EBSA). This was a significant recognition of their vital role in providing habitat and support for critical life stages of the Pacific food web.
Photo: herring spawn, Denman Island
Criteria for Ecologically and Biologically Sensitive Areas
An area can be identified as an EBSA if it ranks highly on one or more of three dimensions: Uniqueness, Aggregation, and Fitness Consequence For Animal Populations.
Baynes Sound and Lambert Channel rank highly on all three of these dimensions.
BC's largest herring spawn happens here
These waters are the spawning and rearing grounds for the largest herring spawn on the west coast - 38% of all herring on the coast are spawned here. Herring also congregate here during the winter.
The health of our marine ecosystem relies on the well-being of the herring.
Photo: Tavish Campbell
Migrating birds and marine mammals congregate here to feed before they go north to reproduce
15 salmon-bearing streams flow into Baynes Sound
Baynes Sound's 15 salmonid streams support six salmonid species. Salmon fry and juveniles shelter and grow in these rich protected waters before migrating to the ocean.
Broad reaches of sand, mud and gravel allow many species of shellfish to thrive here
This type of habitat is quite unusual on our rocky coast, and reflects the estuarial nature of Baynes Sound.
More than half the commercial shellfish sold in BC are grown in Baynes Sound.
Pacific Sand Lance
The variety of habitats in Baynes Sound supports a diversity of marine creatures, including Pacific sand lance, an important forage fish. The giant Pacific octopus, the six-gill shark and many other species also live here.
We advocate for protection of Baynes Sound, Lambert Channel and surrounding waters.
Together, these waters are identified as an Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area. We pursue positive actions that show respect for and commitment to our marine ecosystem as a whole. We recognize that all life, including our own, depends on our oceans flourishing.