August 2024: 
What Are the Risks of Cargo Ships Losing Engine Power in Confined Spaces? The Example of the Astro Nembus in the Southern Gulf Islands
The catastrophic collapse of Baltimore’s Key Bridge in March 2024 was caused by only moments of power failure on the container ship Dali. Loss of propulsion by cargo ships is more common than generally assumed. What are the risks of out-of-control cargo ships in the narrow passages in the ecologically sensitive marine ecosystems of the Gulf Islands, and what can be done in response?

July 2024:
Are Rockfish Conservation Areas Impacted by the Proximity of Cargo Ship Anchorages?
Why Rockfish Recovery in the Southern Salish Sea may depend on protective action in the Southern Gulf Islands

In Parliament - Bill C-33: Safe Supply Chains Need Better Integration of Maritime Component

Update 2022 adds to the Report on Anchorage and Ship Congestion, which was completed in October 2020.

Analysis covered data from 2008-2021 and included computer simulations and literature review.

Growth in anchorage demand is much higher than the growth in export volume at port. Expansion of anchorage use is exponential and not sustainable.

Ships at anchor are a much larger problem than affecting some sensitive areas such as the Gulf Islands. Idling ship engines produce thousands of tonnes of greenhouse gases. Additional marine traffic to remote anchorages has consequences on endangered orcas and increases the risk of fuel or oil spills.

The report shows that arrival of vessels is not reduced when loading capacities at port are limited. This inefficiency causes excessive vessel lineups. Alternatives exist. Management scenarios that have been applied elsewhere could make the need for overflow anchoring in sensitive areas unnecessary.

See Full Report

Purpose of the Centre: 

Integrate the approach of 'Preserve and Protect' into the management of marine and coastal environments of the Southern Gulf Islands and the Salish Sea. 

Bring problems and solutions into sharper focus for evidence-based and constructive solutions with positive outcomes. 

Serve communities and raise public awareness.

Facilitate solutions and support decision-makers at all levels of government, First Nations, businesses, organizations, community groups, and other stakeholders.

About us: See more