We are the South Coast Ship Watch Alliance and we advocate for the elimination of the SGI Anchorages.

#nofreighteranchorages

Break the Chains

The waters of British Columbia’s Southern Gulf Islands are facing a serious threat.

Break the Chains

The waters of British Columbia’s Southern Gulf Islands are facing a serious threat.

Large commercial ships anchoring in the waters of the Southern Gulf Islands and adjacent Vancouver Island coastlines are causing significant damage to the environment and creating a potential for a disaster.

COASTAL FIRST NATIONS AND COMMUNITIES ARE DEMANDING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ELIMINATE THE 33 ANCHORAGES CURRENTLY BEING USED FOR AN “OVERFLOW PARKING LOT” BY THE PORT OF VANCOUVER.

These anchorages are unnecessary. The Port of Vancouver has appropriated an environmentally sensitive area instead of investing in technology that reduces ship congestion.

IMPACTS ON MARINE LIFE INCLUDING THE SOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES: *

  • Air pollution contributing to climate change and ocean acidification
  • Anchor chain abrasion of seabed marine ecosystems
  • Underwater noise that disrupts animal communication
  • Excessive light pollution that disrupts undersea migration
  • Water pollution
  • Risks of impact collisions

IMPACTS ON HUMAN HEALTH: *

  • Constant noise pollution from ship generators
  • Light pollution
  • Air quality deterioration
  • Water pollution that can enter marine food chains and human food
  • Potential disasters caused by anchor drag, groundings, and collisions

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

* Details in our latest Fact Sheet

There are Solutions!

  • The Port of Vancouver needs to develop a modern vessel arrival system as used at ports elsewhere.
  • The Minister of Transport must demand that the Port of Vancouver require all weather grain loading technology as used at ports elsewhere so ships do not languish at anchor when it rains.
  • The province must act in the public interest, and eliminate the anchorages—which are situated in a sensitive area protected by provincial law—and enforce protection of the seabed—which is owned by the province.
  • Increase Port of Vancouver anchorage capacity.
  • Improve Port of Vancouver Rules and Regulations regarding ship arrivals and departures.
  • Optimize the supply chain.
  • Discontinue the export of thermal coal.
  • Eliminate Material Offloading anchorages.

News


Freighter off Thetis Island, BC
March 10, 2023

Anchored Ships Cause Significant Seafloor Damage

News

Recent seabed mapping published by the Geological Survey of Canada exposes extensive scarring at freighter anchorages in the Salish Sea such as this scouring in Plumper Sound, the body of water surrounded by Mayne, Saturna and the...


Read More Stories
5 sealions popping their heads up from the water, the middle one is out farthest and has its mouth wide open. Caption reads: Add your voice to the growing chorus.

South Coast Ship Watch Alliance needs your help to defend these precious waterwaysPLEASE DONATE

SCSWA is a grassroots volunteer movement. Your generous donations will help us spread the word and protect this beautiful corner of the Salish Sea for generations to come.


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