A group of volunteers with Nature Vancouver have begun an exciting new project and we are looking for volunteers to help us out. We will be surveying and mapping existing oyster populations in False Creek, Vancouver. Oysters and other bivalves (clams, mussels) are filter-feeders and improve water quality as they feed.

The water quality in False Creek has been severely degraded through industrial pollution and present-day sewage discharge during stormwater run-off events.  Bivalves, including oysters and mussels, filter large volumes of water for food, and as a result remove contaminants.  Understanding the location and condition of existing oyster sites will be of assistance for future habitat enhancement and possible cultivation of oysters.

Your help is needed to conduct the surveying!  People who are potentially interested in participating in the surveying are invited to join us on a boat tour of False Creek in order to check out potential sites for surveying.  As well, you’ll be given a short guided tour of an example oyster bed.  Date: Sunday April 23.Time: Mid-day/early afternoon (exact time TBA).

Space on the boat is limited, so please let us know if you wish to join us.  To sign up for the tour, please contact project leader Janet Snell at: janet@naturevancouver.ca