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Aquatic Stewardship Fund and Awards

Since 1998 the Aquatic Management Society in partnership with local individuals and organizations has managed the delivery of projects in West Coast Vancouver Island communities. With extensive experience in program design and management, the society strives to build closer relationships between stakeholder groups to facilitate conservation projects within the region.

With a broad mandate for the protection, maintenance, and rehabilitation of aquatic resources, the Aquatic Management Board is undertaking a program to foster projects for the improvement of the health of aquatic species in the area. The creation of an Aquatic Stewardship Fund will enable the Board to ensure there are resources available to address community based projects overlooked by other funding sources. It will also provide a charitable donation for those contributing. This program will also recognize the many people working on stewardship activities in the region.

The Aquatic Stewardship Fund and Awards will:
- Attract funds for conservation and enhancement projects on private, crown and First Nations land.
- Work with local groups to maintain the productive capacity and bio-diversity of aquatic species.
- Promote community participation in conservation, local planning and aquatic resource stewardship.
- Help create partnerships among communities, First Nations, conservation groups, businesses, organizations and private land owners.
- Provide education on an ecosystem approach to aquatic species and their environment.
- Support projects that complement coastal, watershed, estuary and other related plans.

The Aquatic Stewardship Fund and Awards will be managed by 5 - 7 trustees who will work to identify common projects of benefit to the region. They will also coordinate project activities with government agencies, communicating the benefits and results of the program, while linking groups with complementary goals, skills or resources.

The regional information system currently consists of text and photo-based information about the WCVI area, an interactive web GIS atlas, and a digital library. The web GIS atlas provides the user with over 100 layers of interactive cultural and environmental maps that describe terrestrial and marine environments, resource uses and coastal communities. Development of this map series is an on-going process, providing a forum to integrate data from government, researchers and communities.

The digital library contains data about reports, research and other documents relating to the ecosystems, communities and activities of the WCVI. These may be spatially referenced to streams and watersheds in the web atlas (and accessed via the web atlas), creating a stronger connection between information and place. To enter the Regional Information System, click here.

Website: www.westcoastaquatic.ca
Our website offers a broad view, by region and sector, of news, issues and activities relating to the WCVI area. It is a gateway for accessing the regional information system’s GIS atlas and digital library. This site is a tool for AMB members and staff, resource users, and those with educational, business, recreation and travel interests in this area. westcoastaquatic.ca

Webcam: www.westcoastaquatic.ca/webcam
Our 'West Coast’ webcam, situated at Cox Bay, delivers a real time view of the beach and surf, updated every 60 seconds. Up to 1200 people view the cam each day, which is accessed through this website. Visit our webcam at westcoastaquatic.ca/webcam.

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