Learning from the river: improving the resilience and ecological value of tidal marsh creation projects in Pacific Northwest estuaries

The tidal marshes of the Fraser River Estuary support numerous species, including juvenile salmon, and offer benefits to nearby communities. To counteract marsh losses, over 100 tidal marshes have been constructed in the estuary from the 1980s to present. Yet after 40 years, key knowledge gaps still limit our confidence in their ability to support juvenile salmon and persist in the long-term. This study aims to address these knowledge gaps by (1) measuring and comparing the abundance of juvenile salmon and their invertebrate prey between created and natural marshes, (2) studying and learning from areas of ongoing “natural” marsh expansion in the estuary, and (3) applying and testing innovative marsh creation approaches via a marsh creation pilot project. This research will inform and improve how tidal marshes are constructed and restored in the estuary, with wide-reaching benefits to both industry, governments, and ENGOs.

Faculty Supervisor:

Tara Martin

Student:

Partner:

Raincoast Conservation Foundation

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: