Shared Waters

Shared Waters is an international working group focused on the water quality of the Canadian-US shared waters of Boundary Bay. Boundary Bay is a critical section of BC’s rare coastline habitat, recognized locally, nationally and internationally. These intertidal malt marshes, mudflats and open water marine habitats comprise Canada’s top rated, globally significant, Important Bird Area (IBA Canada 2017), are “protected” through BC’s Wildlife Management Area designation (MFLNRO 1995) and have been named a “Wetland of International Importance” as part of the Fraser River Delta Ramsar site (Ramsar 2012). Shared Waters was formed in 1999 and is made up representatives from government, First Nations and community groups from both countries. A primary driver for the formation of this working group was the shellfish harvesting closures on both sides of the border due to bacteriological contamination. In 2018, efforts have been made to re-engage and re-initiate the Shared Waters Alliance, following the pattern of the Whatcom County Clean Water Program to identify and address contamination sources on the Canadian side of Boundary Bay. Shared Waters has expanded its scope to reflect emerging concerns, such as nonpoint source pollution and ecosystem management while still maintaining its historical focus on shellfish harvest for Semiahmoo First Nation.

Vision

Boundary Bay is a healthy, vibrant ecosystem, with diverse and abundant flora and fauna, and robust water quality including clean rivers and creeks, providing First Nations food, social and ceremonial security and a rich natural heritage for future generations.

Purpose

The purpose of the Shared Waters Alliance is to bring together First Nations, government agencies, non-government organizations, and the public to collaborate, inform, and improve the status of water quality in the Boundary Bay Basin.

Scope

Collaborate on environmental projects that can inform and improve the status of water quality in the Boundary Bay Basin (Figure 1). The basin is bound to the north by the south arm of the Fraser River, to the east by the headwaters of the Little Campbell River, Dakota Creek and California Creek, and Lake Terrell in Washington state to the south including Boundary Bay, Semiahmoo Bay, Mud Bay and Drayton Harbour .