Off the West Coast of North America lies Haida Gwaii, where northern abalone was placed on the endangered species list in the 1990s. Today, Haida Nation divers monitor and protect this vital species.

In the traditional territories of the Algonquin and Anishinaabe people, Canada’s largest underground freshwater cave system thrives. These waters are filtered by freshwater mussels, a key to maintaining clean ecosystems.

Waterways are often taken for granted. Small creeks eventually feed rivers, estuaries and oceans. In Metro Vancouver, stream keepers work tirelessly to restore and maintain local creeks and streams, protecting these crucial waterways.

North American turtles hold cultural significance for First Nations. However, their habitats are threatened by development. The Magnetawan First Nation leads efforts to preserve these vital creatures through stewardship programs.

Estuaries, known as the “cradle of life,” create some of Earth’s most productive ecosystems. Over time, human activity has damaged them, but Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities are working together to restore and preserve these vital areas.

Due to warming oceans, 95% of kelp forests on Canada’s West Coast have disappeared over the last seven years. Scientists are now seeking genetically resilient kelp varieties to restore these vital ecosystems.

Once thought extinct, glass sponge reefs were rediscovered in the 1980s deep off Canada’s West Coast. Scientists and researchers need specialized deep-sea technology to study these ancient and fragile ecosystems.

Pacific herring are integral to the West Coast food web but overfishing and habitat loss have endangered their populations. Conservationists are raising awareness and working on solutions to protect this keystone species.

Pacific salmon, a cornerstone species on the West Coast, are central to Indigenous culture. As their numbers decline, people turn to hatcheries and a blend of traditional knowledge and Western science to protect these vital fish.

Before colonization, Coastal First Nations sustainably managed Pacific salmon streams. Now, they’re blending traditional practices with modern technology to restore Pacific salmon populations and rebuild the natural balance.

Shipwrecks are becoming a solution to environmental challenges — helping rebuild aquatic ecosystems. The Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia works to convert derelict ships into thriving artificial reefs, providing homes for marine life.

Microplastics — fragments of single-use items like bottles, bags, and cutlery — pose a huge threat to our oceans. Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities are coming together to combat microplastic pollution and reduce its devastating impact.

The killer whales of the West Coast are iconic to Coastal First Nations, but their populations face numerous threats. Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities work together to study and protect these majestic creatures.