Dear editor,
The RBC Blue Water Fund is providing funding for a kelp reforestation project at Point Holmes.
Kelp beds have previously existed from the Comox Spit to Point Holmes and up the east coast of Vancouver Island. The beds around Point Holmes were harvested legally and illegally and have not returned.
The Little River and Nile Creek Enhancement Societies are pleased to announce a partnership to replant kelp and bring back this incredible resource.
Kelp forests are one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. They create sheltered areas and provide nutrients, thus creating a hospitable environment for marine animals and other plants.
Kelp is a nursery ground for juvenile salmon and other fish species, a garden for grazing limpets and sea urchins and a smorgasbord for sea otters and seals. Some of the creatures found in and around a kelp forest are sea birds, seals, crabs, shrimp, sea stars, sea cucumbers, octopus, sponges, and as well kelp supplies critical spawning habitat for herring.
We are indebted to the support of Nile Creek and Ken Kirkby for their tireless support, Rob Saunders of Island Scallops for his expertise and equipment, Dr. Louis Dreuhl of Canadian Kelp Resources, Bill Coltart of Pacific Pro Dive, Edgar Smith of Beaver Meadow Farms for his continuing support of our society and Colleen Sawyer and the people at RBC who have funded our projects in the past and whose continuing support has been critical to this project.
To all of the above we thank you for your support and confidence in helping us bring back this vital resource. You have given us the tools to do the job and we expect to have kelp growing at Point Holmes in the summer of 2013.
Peter Williams
Editor's note: Peter Williams is the president of the Little River Enhancement Society.