Whales And Bald Eagles Cowichan Bay

The Quw'utsun Mustimuhw are the Cowichan People. They have long been supervisors of these lands and waters. Habitat restoration and monitoring the ecosystem to ensure that the work continues to keep the territory thriving for future generations is their main focus. Sustainability is very important to retain the vital ecological functions of the Bay. Several restoration projects are happening as it supports the local economy and serves the Cowichan community's environmental needs. Restoration of the salt marsh habitat and re-establishment of natural estuarine processes in the bay are happening. They now have an approach across the ecosystem to ensure conservation, which is focused on improving the health of the entire habitat in order to provide benefits to people and other wildlife in addition to birds.

The mixing of the freshwaters from the Cowichan and Koksilah rivers with bay saltwater creates brackish estuary waters. These nourish eelgrass beds, Pacific salmonids, and juvenile fishes, offering essential habitat for 230 bird species, including migratory raptors, waterfowl, and shorebirds. Healthy estuaries, like Cowichan Bay, are vital stopover sites for species such as the Western Sandpiper and Hooded Merganser, serving as refuelling grounds for these priority species in British Columbia. Thus, you get a super fun, friendly and educational trip. The captain would have told many stories about this wildlife, which will be worthy to remember for a lifetime.