BOWEN ISLAND Surf smelt and Pacific sand lance Beach-Spawning Forage Fish Habitat Assessment Report Review April 27, 2015

Transcription

1 BOWEN ISLAND Surf smelt and Pacific sand lance Beach-Spawning Forage Fish Habitat Assessment Report Review April 27, 2015 Ramona C. de Graaf, BSc. MSc. Sea Watch Society And

2 Critical Marine Shoreline Fish Habitats Credit: Friends of San Juan Islands Marine Forage Fish Spawning Habitats Sandy/Gravel Beaches Subtidal eelgrass and seaweed Spawning habitat Marine Riparian Habitats (Vegetated Upland areas) Juvenile salmon foraging habitat Shade for surf smelt eggs

3 Credit: Fly Fish BC Credit: Shaffer How are critical fish habitats defined? Generally: Habitats that maintain fish populations throughout their life cycles, such as: Spawning habitats Rearing habitats Protected under Federal Fisheries Act

4 Forage Fish are: extremely abundant schooling fishes - Pacific herring, anchovy, Pacific sand lance, surf smelt, sardine, capelin, eulachon usually small (25 cm length) school sizes measured metric tonnes fish species stay in the role of forage throughout life cycle *species of small fish that are forage or prey for 1,000s of species of birds, marine mammals and larger fish Marbled murrelet bait fish or feeder fish Rhinoceros auklet with Pacific sand lance

5 Photos by Evelyn Brown Forage fish, the cornerstone of the nearshore food web, are the most important link in our coastal food chain converting zooplankton to food for higher levels in the food chain. Coho feeding on sand lance (needle fish)

6 Who uses forage fish? Marine mammals & seabirds Photo: Sue Rocca WDCS Humpback whales Harbour Porpoise Sea lions and seals Herons Auklets Puffins Murrelets and many more many listed on endangered/threatened lists (Provincial and Federal) Humpback whale feeding on sand lance hwhmwzom:3. >3 Bonn.

7 Who uses forage fish? BC SALMON Coho Salmon (adults) Chinook (adults) Flexible prey base - invertebrate & forage fish amounts fluctuate 50% 50% Invertebrates 28% Other Fish 50% sand lance 22% Herring Herring Invertebrates Sand Lance

8 Forage fish Food Web linkages Forage fish stocks are critical to Chinook and Killer Whale Recovery Chinook forage fish specialists BC s resident killer whales chinook specialists

9 Forage Fish fuel fish communities and our fisheries Photo: S. Jeffery Photo: Siobhan Gray Photo Credits: C. Seaborne

10 Marine Shorelines Critical Fish Spawning Habitat Intertidal Distribution of Spawning Habitats "" ' " vagamnnnam ' mun: nsn snwmmi mulnvs m 111! nnnsnonzzou onussr sounn Photo: Surfrider Foundation Surf Smelt eggs Photo: WDFW 4~% Mm \, PAW Pe\a9K:,aDenwuievs 1.; EI. I, a, F....i.,m men '9"Me, ; I Arndmmaus. vemm 5 <, + r r mu mean my mgr:m... u.. swam- -:= -a- Herring spawn Photo: FSJ Photo: RC de Graaf

11 PACIFIC SAND LANCE - Ammodytes hexapterus Needlefish or Sand Eel Distributed from Alaska to CA pointed mumand nose min and silvery body m W" THE MOST IMPORTANT FISH IN THE NORTH EAST PACIFIC. Life Span 7 years - (repeat spawners) Contribution to Adult Salmon diets: 65% diet of chinook, 35% diet of coho Equally important to rockfish, lingcod No BC/Fed government surveys to document spawning habitats No k1'h\vi»>l >ny.

12 Clallam County Marine Resources Committee Pacific sand lance beach spawners habitat Pacific sand lance (or needle fish ) spawn on fine gravel and sand beaches High tide line to mid-intertidal Eggs become coated in sand grains Incubation days Spawning: Nov-Feb (BC and WA State) Spawning pits within the circle Life Span 7 years - (repeat spawners) The adults live up to their name of sand eels by burrowing themselves in the sand in subtidal depths to avoid predators

13 SURF SMELT - Hypomesus pretiosus Spawning: year round (with distinct summer v. winter stocks); Surf Smelt (Hypomesus pretiosus) Adipose present fin \ Life Span 3+ years (4-5) (repeat spawners) Commercially Fished in BC until 2013 Large recreational fishery Mouth small, maxillary Pelvic fin begins does not reach to under dorsal fin middle of llle eye No government surveys to document spawning areas

14 Surf smelt: beach spawners habitat Beach Photo: Shaffer, 2002 WDFW very high in the intertidal zone at or within feet of the log line Use SURF swash Sediment dependent spawners: - pebble Weight Belts Spawning sediments - range from coarse gravels to fine pea gravels (with sand base) Surf smelt eggs 10X magnification 1 mm diameter

15 Critical Marine Fish Habitats: Marine Shoreline Habitat: Juvenile Salmon Habitat Windfall Insects Invertebrate prey from Beach seaweed wrack _.-~ ~ '4 _ cl. -'~

16 Marine Shoreline Habitats: Juvenile Salmon Critical Rearing Habitat Marine Shoreline Vegetation: Litter Fall and Nutrient Inputs Marine Seaweed Wrack: Marine invertebrate buffet G.L. Williams Assoc. LLC Jim Brennan WA Sea Grant

17 Source: Brennan and Calderwell 2004 Marine Shorelines Critical Juvenile Salmon Rearing Habitats Stomach contents of 14 cm juvenile Chinook salmon All prey in this photo are terrestrial insects Juvenile salmonids actively feed along coastal corridors. Areas of intact marine vegetation are vital foraging habitat for juvenile wild salmon.

18 Marine Riparian Zone Overhanging shade Overhanging vegetation provides crucial shade for incubating summer surf smelt eggs Surf smelt spawn patch Spawning zone Loss of shade vegetation Almost 100% (85%+) mortality of surf smelt eggs due to cooking temperatures within the sediment nursery (summer spawning) Wreck Beach, Vancouver, BC

19 Ecosystem Services of Shorelines: Real economic values derived from preserving the natural environment Human Security erosion protection bank stabilization Storm and sea level rise protection water quality protection Pollution abatement Ecological & Economic Spawning habitat Juvenile salmonid rearing Wildlife Corridors Tourism and Commercial Fishing Benefit Marine Riparian Corridor or Set back Credit: Jim Brennan WA SeaGrant Marine Riparian Corridors: bluffs, shoreline vegetation and beaches -10, 15, 30, 50 to 100 m landward of the high water mark

20 ECOSYSTEM SERVICES TO YOUR COMMUNITY Nature as the ultimate engineer Source: J. Brennan, Sea Grant Slope Stability: Vegetation stabilizes slopes and maintains natural erosion rates Slope Instability: Vegetation removal and shoreline hardening results in slumping and increased rates of soil erosion

21 ECOSYSTEM SERVICES TO YOUR COMMUNITY Water Quality Services Source: J. Brennan Sea Grant Vegetative buffer/corridors WAR:lING 42> Credit: Jim Brennan WA SeaGrant filter sediments, nutrients and toxins wildlife corridors Protecting marine water quality managing storm runoff, pollution abatement, manage sediment loading

22 ECOSYSTEM SERVICES TO YOUR COMMUNITY Storm and Sea Level Rise Protection Shorelines as storm berms Natural beaches absorb and dissipate storm energy Setting structures back from the water s edge maintains the year storm berm Hardening shorelines undermines this process Source: J. Johannessen

23 PROTECTING SHORELINES means understanding how they are eco-engineered DRIFT CELL MANAGEMENT Beaches are largely derived from land based sources of sediment bluff erosion (80-90% sediment input) Rivers-creeks (10-20% sediment input) Erosion of land is natural and necessary as the primary physical process maintaining sediment inputs we need to manage it wisely

24 Understanding the Primary threat to Critical Marine Fish Shoreline Habitats Shoreline Modifications 1. Disrupt sediment transport by disconnecting beaches from sediment source (EROSION), causes beach starvation. 2. Physically buries habitat Nuxmwm smut: Clallam County Marine Resources Committee 3. Removes riparian habitat critical for summer smelt egg survival and important for juvenile salmonids Shaffer, 2002 WDFW

25 Photo: R.C. de Graaf Shoreline Hardening Bulkheads Can Change The Beach Eg. Seawalls Bullfhcads can increase erosuonof the beach. km0 ngeulbn Impedes sediments from reaching the beach intteased stounng\ Wave scouring results in the loss of spawning gravels and eventually the beach is lost! Seawall toe is undermined resulting in seawall collapse Shoreline vegetation is removed Coarsening of sediments can decrease subtidal sand lance burrowing habitat & eelgrass habitat

26 Shoreline Hardening Riprap bouldering on property line Results: loss of upper intertidal zone and spawning habitat loss of sediment flow along beach drift cell loss of shoreline vegetation decreased summer smelt egg survival reduced prey source for juvenile salmon Loss of spawning zone Surf smelt spawning zone

27 Seawalls, Sea Level Rise and Salmon overall habitat loss Predicted Sea level Rise Model: 50 cm Total Area reduced 45% (from 4,800 to 2,640 m 2 ) 4.4 m 3.8 m 60 cm Axes m End magnum srmh svawmrvg ram numm The Problem: mam) Coastal Squeeze - landward retreat of the beach is blocked by seawall

28 Bowen Island Surf smelt and Pacific sand lance Spawning Habitat Suitability Assessments

29 ' *' Bowen Island Marine Shoreline Survey Results: Forage Fish Habitat Suitability Assessments Suitable Spawning habitat Surf smelt and Pacific sand lance mm A W. s..m.r...»e Mam rm s.».n.w K ::?J;:" - 40 beach units - totaling 3.4 kilometers of Bowen Island shores Not Suitable (5 beach units) 2 beach units showing erosion due to shoreline modifications Not Habitat (30 beach units) 6 beach units Eroded to cobble may be due to vessel (BC Ferry) wakes - common on Gambier Island - may be important re LNG vessel traffic - seek engineering study M \, _ Sllsmet/Fzc?nsan? kw ~>\/ ' -2 ~- = r\ _ m.,...m,, \\ _ \\/..«/,j Bowen Island Report Map book Oct wvmzmax \ /r \ \ umxammns x W /.,:~ xgw»\ V... \ V5 %~» ~ M f )7 ~-I-~ man.swu Gvervzw Ma?

30 Survey Results: Beach Conditions 1. Foreshore Modifications Total of 40 Beach Units 24 unmodified foreshores (60%) 16 modified foreshores (40%) 15% classified as % modified 2. Foreshore Structures 26 types Most common: - Seawalls (27%) - Stacked boulder walls (riprap) (23%) - Piers (23%) Page 23

31 Survey Results: Beach Conditions 1. Backshore modification (p 22): Total of 40 suitable beach units 22 unmodified backshores 18 modified backshores 2. Marine Riparian Vegetation (p 24) : 6 (15%) beach units % overhanging shade vegetation 34 (85%) of beach units low percentages of overhanging shade vegetation (0-50%) in general, modification of foreshore and backshore resulted in losses of overhanging shade vegetation

32 Summary and Recommendations (p25-35) Section Islands Trust Policy Statement - Protection of sensitive coastal areas in OCPs and regulatory bylaws - Planning for and regulation of development in coastal regions to protect natural coastal processes. Local governance: Development of regulatory tools by local governments: eg. Cowichan valley Regional District: Marine Shoreline Management Policy City of Campbell River Marine Shoreline DPA Cates Bay to Snug Cove A FntzueF sl s...n.n...m an-r-up /"W W mum. 7"-»'~* WEN SW9 _:::1 u...m.._ mm....mg «..,u.m...m.., _...,..,.. sq»... may mm.:=...:..... \)UmA;mnl " M..._. umcm Green Shores: Green Bylaw Tool Kit (recently updated) Green Shores: Coastal Development Guidelines 1. Recommendations from this study have been evaluated with the goal of balancing changing oceanographic conditions (sea level rise), ecological values, public access/enjoyment of beaches, and shoreline property values.

33 Summary and Recommendations (p25-35) Marine Shoreline Management Policy Goal: Managing Shoreline Stressors and Maximizing Shoreline Benefits Marine Shoreline Management Policy Objectives: 1. Shoreline set backs (buffer zones) and Public Access 2. Upland site planning 3. Marine Water Quality protection measures 4. Site restoration and Shoreline Health 2. Recommendations should also promote local governance tools and community discussions that incorporate emerging bioengineering, biological and policy advances for shoreline protection and ecological/resource benefits..

34 Summary and Recommendations Marine Shoreline Management Policy Objectives: 1. Shoreline management and set backs (buffer zones) Bylaws and DPAs a. Addresses Provincial government climate change action plan - Adaptive management and set backs are key for sea level rise (SLR) b. Reduces need/demand for seawalls and protects habitat c. Improves public access to shorelines -Increase access for local residents -Increase access and tourism -Decreases perceived private ownership of some beach areas and stressors to marine habitats Credit: Jim Brennan WA SeaGrant d. Human Security and Economic Benefits

35 Marine Riparian Corridors Set backs from the natural boundary to allow shorelines to function Conceptual Model of MarineRiparian Functions HUMANHEALTH QFF -10, 15, 30, 50 to 100 m landward of the high water mark Ievaporallon5. 0 MICRMLIMATE Pruducd by at mnrommwuaum KmgtovnlvDewmnenlolmluralm-mm um»; um mmpmnnmmm Marine Riparian Corridors: bluffs, shoreline vegetation and beaches

36 Summary and Recommendations Marine Shoreline Management Policy Objectives: 2. Upland site planning permitting, zoning tools a. Improve storm water management through Maintaining riparian vegetation and shoreline habitat quality Removal of upland vegetation on steep slopes trim or limb don t remove Denman Island folks are experts! b. Shoreline Set backs for roads, infrastructure c. Manage hazardous slopes and slope instabilities Resultant: Storm-water runoff and resulting siltation of marine waters; damage easily avoided d. Beach-Use Planning through drift cell planning to promote protection of habitats and properties; know your place in the drift cell

37 Summary and Recommendations Marine Shoreline Management Policy Objectives: 3. Marine Water Quality protection measures a. Managing chronic oiling from highdensity private moorages and marinas - Bilges to shoreline booms Eg Snug Cove. Shorelines free from fouling Benefit: -local residents and tourism -creek restoration, fish rearing and spawning enhancement goals b. Creosote Piling Removal and Replacement Snug Cove a beautiful home for people and fish Chronic oiling of shorelines kills fish and embryos, disrupts herring behavior, and restricts shellfish harvesting

38 Summary and Recommendations Marine Shoreline Management Policy Objectives: 4. Site restoration Beach Health Promoting and supporting partnerships with local residents through $$$ incentives, infrastructure programs, Federal Recreational Fisheries Restoration funds a. habitat restoration using elevated foreshore designs ( soft shores ) by neighbouring land owners (IT: NAPTEP) Eg: Mannion Bay (prime location to restore habitat and public values (boating community, local residents, tourism) Eg: Tunstall Bay restore drift cell function Mannion Bay Restoration Project for salmon and people b. Shoreline Vegetation Restoration Bring back overhanging shade cover and Insect prey for juvenile salmonids Tunstall Bay The Islands Trust Natural Area Protection Tax Exemption Program (NAPTEP) gives landowners the opportunity to receive a 65% exemption for property taxes on protected land.

39 Summary and Recommendations Marine Shoreline Management Policy Objectives: 4. Site restoration Beach Health Promoting and supporting partnerships with local residents through incentives, infrastructure programs, Federal Recreational Fisheries Restoration funds c. Greener docks and removal of derelict structures on beaches - Upgrading docks/piers following green dock guidelines - Community docks: increase shared facilities - Follow Provincial guidelines and reduce float sizes etc. - Seasonal docks (Bowen Island Miller s Landing residents 5 STARS!) d. Habitat Surveys - Partner with Bowen Island Forage Fish Team to increase Understanding of spawning beach usage by Surf smelt and Pacific sand lance

40 Averting a common pitfall to local marine shoreline planning Downloading responsibilities by senior governments to local governments has become the norm for coastal communities Reporting requirements require Marine Shoreline Geological/Habitat Assessments lack standardization, government oversight, are expensive, and overly complicated. Bowen Island Shoreline Owner Toolkit Goals: 1. Clarifies bylaws, DPAs, permits 2. Provides incentives and recognizes stewardship, greening shorelines or docks Eg. fewer permitting hurdles or lower fees 3. Simplifies reporting requirements by providing all landowners with common inventories and geological information

41 Bowen Island Shoreline Owner Toolkit Products paid for by local government: -Incentive programs for greening shoreline/dock -Drift cell and Sea Level Rise projection maps -Slope stability maps -Information on shoreline habitats/shore types -Information on shoreline erosion mitigation options (Greenshores for Homes Islands Trust) -Sensitive Fish Habitat Inventories; sponge reefs SharingOur Shorelines Homeowner Initiated: Level I Geological/Habitat Assessment of property - Standardized Checklists: erosion/stabilization; vegetation types; shoreline types; green shore options; green dock options Coastal specialists: Level II - Assistance of coastal engineer/habitat QEPs may still be required Cowichan Valley Regional District provided: Maps of hazardous slopes; coastal inundation projections (SLR) Central Saanich provided Drift cell maps (erosion, transport, accretion zones)

42 Summary and Recommendations Marine Shoreline Protection Measures in OCPs and DPAs: 1. Maximize ecosystem services, 2. Maintain human security, and 3. Protect shoreline habitats (food for salmon) By maximizing our efforts to protect even one measure, we protect all three! Photo: S. Jeffrey

43 Photo: C. Seabourne Questions? Humpback whales feeding on sand lance