WWF-Canada is working to restore coastal habitats to reverse wildlife decline.
The area where land meets sea is often a place of spectacular biodiversity and ecological beauty. The coastal zone makes up only 10 per cent of the ocean environment but is home to over 90 per cent of all marine species.
Coastal habitats are vital to the overall health of the ocean, but globally they are suffering declines in biodiversity and ecosystem function.
Coastal habitat restoration is important for the rehabilitation of aquatic ecosystems and marine biodiversity loss, both of which are important culturally and economically. The coastal restoration fund allows WWF-Canada to steward aquatic habitats in Newfoundland and Labrador.
In 2017, WWF-Canada began a large-scale habitat restoration project in Newfoundland and Labrador. Through the Coastal Restoration Fund, the Fisheries and Oceans Canada supports WWF-Canada and nine partner organizations in monitoring and restoring coastal and riverine fish habitats. WWF-Canada encourages an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management using traditional knowledge, scientific research and citizen science.
Capelin are small fish that are an important food source for seabirds, seals, whales and northern cod. WWF-Canada is restoring capelin spawning habitats in Placentia Bay and other priority areas, as well as mapping the extent of capelin habitats using citizen science and knowledge gathering with partners (Fish Food and Allied Worker’s Union, Memorial University and NunatuKavut Community Council). WWF-Canada is also working on developing indicators for healthy capelin spawning habitats using egg and larvae monitoring and temperature monitoring on and off beaches.
WWF-Canada is working to develop the local capacity for community-based monitoring of wildlife and habitat restoration. This work includes:
It’s not too late to bring the ocean back to a state of health and resilience. We are working to change the tide, driving protection and sustainable management so the ocean has a vibrant future.
Help protect threatened species and their habitats.
