Protecting Shorelines & Streamsides
Shorelines and streamsides provide some of the most valuable wildlife habitat of all terrestrial ecosystems. They are also popular areas for people to live, work and play. Even if we do not live close to a beach or a stream, our activities can still affect these areas. The concept of the watershed links the land with the water: all the rainwater that is not taken up by plants eventually flows into a water body such as a stream, lake or wetland and eventually reaches the ocean. Particularly on an island such as ours, this journey may be relatively short. Along the way, this water may contact any number of chemicals on road surfaces, industrial lots, agricultural fields, lawns and gardens, and wash them into natural water bodies. Whether walking along a shoreline or just going about a day in town, you can take some steps to limit damage to shorelines and streamsides.
How can I help protect shorelines & streams?
- Get involved with a community stewardship group that is active near your home or your favorite beach. This may give you the opportunity to learn about local wildlife, help clean up a beach, contribute to land use decisions, and make new friends.
- Stick to designated or well-worn paths when walking along shorelines and streams, to avoid trampling sensitive vegetation.
- Learn about the types of pollution that are most common around the urban harbours and watersheds of Victoria, and learn how you can help reduce pollution.
- Help to reduce chemical contamination of streams and shorelines by disposing of hazardous household wastes (motor oil, paint, solvents, pesticides, batteries, etc.) at an appropriate facility; see the CRD Hazardous Waste Guide. Never put toxic substances into storm drains.
- Consider using your car less frequently, switching to a more fuel efficient model and keeping your vehicle well tuned. Engine fluids that leak onto roads are washed into freshwater and marine areas and affect the health of plants and animals that live there. Air pollution is also a concern for the environment and for human health.
- Wash your car over your lawn or a gravel driveway. This way, the soap is filtered through soil before it flows into storm drains, and subsequently into the ocean. Look for phosphate-free soap, as phosphates can lead to harmful algae blooms.
- Use non-toxic alternatives to household cleaners.
Georgia Strait Alliance Toxic Smart/Clean Alternatives (PDF
) - Learn about natural gardening and landscaping techniques that allow
you to eliminate or reduce the use of chemicals.
* Make sure your septic system is properly monitored and maintained. Sewage contamination of water bodies can lead to problems such as algae blooms that deprive the water of oxygen. See the CRD Septic Savvy Kit. - Learn how erosion can damage ecosystems and human property. Natural vegetation along streamsides and shorelines is very important for preventing erosion. Consider planting or preserving a natural vegetation buffer along your waterfront property, and try not to trample vegetation while you are enjoying natural areas.
- Learn how impervious surfaces (i.e. roads, parking lots, building roofs) affect water quality and stream flows. You may be able to help reduce impervious surfaces around your home and in your neighbourhood.
Considering buying or modifying shoreline or streamside property?
These development tips may help you avoid costly erosion problems and damage to plants and wildlife.
- By carefully siting structures such as walkways, wharves and docks,
you can help to limit the damage to marine plants and animals.
The Stewardship Centre
- Whenever possible, use natural alternatives to seawalls to protect your waterfront property from erosion. Seawalls substantially reduce intertidal habitat and can even lead to more erosion problems.
- If you operate a farm or own livestock, learn how sustainable agricultural practices can benefit you and help protect shorelines.
- Learn how you can help reduce pollution from boating.
- Report spills of toxic (or potentially toxic) substances on land
or in water to the Provincial Emergency Program
Tel: 1.800.663.3456
Learn more about about these specific types of shorelines.
Rocky shorelines
Sand and gravel shorelines
Estuaries
Pocket beaches
Tidal lagoons
Altered shorelines
© Image courtesy of Minette Layne