The Fraser Estuary, Salish Sea, and Iona Island are critical pieces of habitat for all Pacific salmon species, Orcas, and migratory birds. These populations depend on a healthy Salish Sea, free of harmful chemicals, micro plastics, and pharmaceuticals.

Southern Resident Killer Whales

As of September 2019, only 73 Southern Resident orcas remain. Habitat critical to their survival is found in the Salish Sea. Key threats facing this culturally significant population include a lack of prey, high levels of underwater noise, physical disturbance from vessels and ocean pollution. Toxic contaminants accumulate in the marine food web through processes called bioaccumulation and biomagnification and enter the bodies of Southern Resident orcas via the food they eat.

Pacific Salmon

Pacific salmon are a keystone species of the northwest. The Fraser River historically being one of the greatest salmon rivers in the world. 

IIWWTP sits on a manmade jetty, and relies on a series of structures that have impeded the ability for salmon to seek refuge before heading out to the open ocean - increasing predation, and decreasing survival rates. 

​Without the ability for the facility to remove chemicals, and micro plastics, it's clear that these fish are also ingesting them. 

Migratory Birds

The Fraser estuary is one of the richest and most important ecosystems for migrant and wintering waterbirds in Canada. The Western Sandpiper for instance comes in droves of of nearly 500,000. 

Accumulation of toxic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and micro plastics seriously impede the wellbeing of these birds.