Get Involved

We believe the better a place is known, the more it will be loved and cared for — leading to action: visiting the Bay’s beaches and waters to observe marine life; speaking out for environmentally sound solutions; and perhaps participating in citizen science studies and restoration activities.

Bowen’s citizen scientists and volunteers are Kwilákm’s champion environmental stewards: rearing young salmon at the hatchery; restoring the Bay’s eelgrass beds; cleaning tons of debris from the seafloor; participating in the Christmas Bird Count; and working to strengthen the marine ecosystem.

Look over the choices below, pick something that interests you and dive in. Pull on your gumboots and help in the field. Lend your voice and show your support. Do what you can. Amazing things happen when motivated people act together.

Important Organizations

BC Cetacean Sightings Network

Report your marine mammal sighting by phone, online, email, or WhaleReport App.

Birds Canada

Canada’s national bird conservation organization. Bowen volunteers do monthly Birds Canada Waterbird Surveys to monitor our seabirds.

Bowen Island Conservancy

Committed to protecting and preserving the natural environment of Nexwlélexwem/Bowen Island. The Bowen Island Conservancy publishes the Nex̱wlélex̱wem/Bowen Island Marine Atlas.

Bowen Island Fish & Wildlife Club

Manages the Terminal Creek Hatchery. The Bowen Island Fish & Wildlife Club conducts salmon enhancement, stream keeping, and education such as Salmon in the Schools and the Coho Bon Voyage event each June.

Bowen Nature Club

Dedicated to the enjoyment, understanding, and preservation of Bowen Island’s biodiversity, the Bowen Nature Club sponsors outdoor walks and other educational activities.

Christmas Bird Count

The Christmas Bird Count happens annually in December/January on Bowen and in 2,000 locations in the western hemisphere.

David Suzuki Foundation

The David Suzuki Foundation hosts the online Atl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Marine Conservation Assessment map, rich with data about our coastal inlet [view the map here].

Howe Sound/Atl’ka7tsem Marine Stewardship Initiative

This initiative aims to improve aquatic ecosystem health in Atl’ka7tsem/ Howe Sound by bringing together information about the region’s aquatic, ecological, and human- use values. View online maps designed to support informed decision making, collaborative management, marine spatial planning, and community education.

Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region

Nex̱wlélex̱wm / Bowen Island lies within the newly formed (2021) Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region, which convenes local governments, business, NGOs and citizens to promote and achieve local biodiversity and a sustainable economy.

Dive Against Debris

Volunteer divers, free divers, boaters, kayakers, and shore crew come together to remove tons of garbage from the bottom of Kwilak’m and Snug Cove. Visit the Dive Against Debris website.

Report Fisheries Violations

Report a fishing violation at: 604-666-3500 or 1-800-465-4336