Citizen Science

Bluewater Adventures incorporated citizen science on our sailing trips to Johnstone Strait. Researchers had only recently learned to identify individual whales by the shape of their dorsal fin and markings.

It was still unclear how many orca were on the coast, and what their distribution was, but by taking photo IDs of all Orcas encountered, we contributed to learning about this fascinating, keystone species.  

A Groundbreaking Document

The Code of Conduct outlined how operators in Gwaii Haanas voluntarily agreed to work around wildlife, protect cultural sites, limit group size and impacts on the environment, and how to operate responsibly. 

It is typically the government that outlines visitation guidelines, but in this case, the operators saw a need. The Code of Conduct was later incorporated into the first Gwaii Haanas Management Plan.  

Established a Working Relationship with First Nations

In 2003, Bluewater signed its first Protocol Agreement with a coastal First Nation in order to respectfully operate in their traditional territory and commit to financially supporting the local community. 

To date, we have negotiated a total of 6 protocol agreements with different First Nations along the coast, with each renegotiated at the end of the contracted term.

An Early Start on Offsetting

Concerned for our impact on the environment, we started measuring how much carbon our operations generated (mostly diesel fuel and crew flights). When we were able to quantify what was produced, we made a plan to reduce carbon emissions wherever possible and then offset the emissions that simply could not be reduced. 

Over the years, most of these offsets have been purchased from the Great Bear Rainforest Project. The money generated goes into creating community employment, local stewardship, and Guardian Watchmen programs.

Guidelines Created for Sustainable Bear Viewing

Randy Burke, Director of Bluewater Adventures, is a founding member of the CBVA. With number of operators offering bear viewing starting to grow, there was a need to regulate commercial bear viewing, and as such, the CBVA was formed. 

Creating sustainable viewing guidelines, the CBVA established best practices that are safe for both visitors and the bears. The CBVA holds Guide certification, courses, and advocates for sustainable bear management. All Bluewater crew leading bear trips are CBVA Guide certified.

Pivoting During the Pandemic: 2020 & 2021

The pandemic arrived and shuttered our operations. In an effort to “pivot” and stay afloat, Bluewater joined other businesses in efforts, supported by the BC government and First Nations, to clean up the BC coast. We rallied our unemployed crew aboard our 3 ships and in joining 7 others, we removed over 327 hundred tons of discarded commercial fishing gear, plastic bottles, and Styrofoam from remote beaches in the Great Bear Rainforest. 

It was eye opening. We would like to believe that our remote west coast is pristine, but unfortunately the ocean connects us all. To put it graphically, in 6 weeks we collected over 70,000 single-use water bottles that washed up on beaches. 

2024 and Potentially Beyond

In 2024,  Bluewater Adventures came together with Maple Leaf Adventures, during our peak operating season, to continue the MDRI. Three ships and 48 crew members returned to the central coast of BC. Leadership of the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo Xai’xais, and Giga’at Nations collaborated to help remove marine debris from culturally sensitive areas, which included 19 Heiltsuk youth assisting in the removal. 

It was immensely successful, surpassing our goal and removing 32.5 tons of debris comprising of fishing gear, nets, rope, polystyrene floats, plastic bottles, and more. This marine debris, if not removed, poses significant threats to BC’s ecosystems, breaking down into microplastics or entangling wildlife such as humpback whales. With funding, we hope there’s more to come.

With over 150km of shoreline tackled and 391 bags of debris removed, we feel a simultaneous mix of pride & joy along with defeat & sadness. This project really emphasizes that the action taken toward keeping our coastline and planet clean is a global effort.