Conserving Birds and Critical Habitat in the Fraser River Estuary, an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area
In addition to being Canada’s largest salmon-producing river, the Fraser River Estuary supports over 1.7 million birds annually, making it the most productive bird habitat in Western Canada. The Estuary is also an internationally significant habitat – its continued health is an important contribution towards addressing the global biodiversity crisis.
To conserve global biodiversity, several leading international conservation organizations have been working to identify “Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs)”. The Fraser River Estuary is among the first potential KBAs in Canada to be identified due to the large number and diversity of birds and other wildlife it supports. For example, the coastal habitats of the Estuary support over 1.4 million shorebirds such as Western Sandpipers; 240,000 waterfowl, such as Snow Geese; and approximately 4,000 raptors, such as Barn Owls.
How You Can Help
The birds of Fraser River Estuary need your help. The main threats to birds in the Estuary are habitat loss and climate change. Immediate action is needed from all levels of government to establish a conservation management plan for the Fraser River Estuary.
The Fraser Estuary Management Plan would need to address the specific issue of habitat loss due to increased shipping traffic and supporting infrastructure.
Community partners are seeking creative solutions to ensure agriculture continues to be practiced in a bird-friendly manner, building on the legacy of farmland stewardship practiced by the farmers of Delta. Strengthening existing beneficial practices while enhancing Indigenous-led conservation on the delta and advocating for ecosystem-based climate adaptation are just some examples of the work underway.
We need to restore the ecological function of the Estuary’s coastal wetlands – for birds and people.
Volunteer for the KBA Survey
An annual volunteer bird survey focusing on waterfowl, waterbirds, shorebirds, and raptors takes place in the Fraser River Estuary KBA. The survey takes place on one designated day during late fall season, combining land-based and boat-based coverage to capture the highest diversity and abundance of birds. Other bird counts in Important Bird Areas (IBAs) or KBAs are organized some years in British Columbia (funding-dependent), including in the following areas: English Bay, Burrard Inlet & Howe Sound KBA (Vancouver area), Chain Islets & Great Chain Island KBA (Victoria area), Cowichan Estuary IBA (Duncan area), and Squamish River IBA (Squamish area). To learn more and get involved in IBA/KBA Bird Counts in BC, contact Rémi Torrenta (rtorrenta AT birdscanada.org).
