A recent survey took an in-depth look at what matters the most to BC’s coastal communities in terms of conservation, climate change and environmental protections.
Research Co., a BC-based statistics and analysis firm, conducted this survey and found that while people’s stances vary on how to best protect the oceanic ecosystems, all pollees have some kind of opinion on the matter.
When asked to rate the importance of various industrial activities to the economic future of BC’s coast, the general consensus was that marine conservation is the key to our province’s future with a combined 93% of respondents being in agreement.
Following Marine conservation; small-scale fishing communities (83%), renewable energy (83%), outdoor recreation (82%) and ecotourism and wildlife (79%) rounded out the top five most important economic assets the coast has to offer its people.
Deep sea mining came in dead last for economic importance in the respondents opinions with only 44% believing it to be significantly impactful.
When asked about what issues coastal communities should be concerned about, declining fish stocks were the main concern among pollees with 92% believing it will impact BC’s future while several of the runner-ups also have to do with fish abundance.
After declining fish stock, the biggest issues of concern are open-net fish farms (90%), bottom trawling (90%), commercial overfishing (89%) and having ‘by-catch’ or non-targeted fish species killed and discarded by fishing fleets (88%).
Of the least concern to BC’s coastal communities is the overpopulation of seals and sea lions, with 55% of respondents believing it to be an issue.
Research Co.’s poll also found that respondents strongly support the Canadian government setting up a network in partnership with local First Nations and the Province to protect certain areas of the coast.
This would be done in the name of conservation of marine mammals such as the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale along with bull kelp forests, salmon habitats and other ecosystems that are sacred to the Indigenous Peoples of the coast.
The survey found that 79% of pollees agree that some action should be taken to protect these wildlife and ecosystems that belong to the coast, with 12% unsure and just 9% opposed to the notion.
Lastly, the survey aimed to glean how much confidence coastal British Columbians have in scientists, environmental organizations, marine industries and government organizations when it comes to marine matters.
The results suggest that scientists inspire the most confidence with 77% of people having faith in their work while environmental groups have the next most support with 67% of respondents believing in them.
Meanwhile, fishing companies like Jim Pattison’s Canfisco (25%) and industrialists in the salmon farming industry (32%) have the worst confidence ratings when it comes to marine issues.
What matters most to you if you live on Vancouver Island? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
