On May 10 & 11, 2022, Tsleil-Waututh Nation Staff, Community, and School students came together to help prep and tie cə́ləm (eelgrass) shoots for transplant.

cə́ləm (eelgrass) is a flowering plant that grows in shallow, sheltered areas of the ocean and is important habitat for fish, crabs and other animals. There have been many traditional uses of eelgrass by First Nations, including as food. 

From the tied shoots, divers were able to transplant over 2000 cə́ləm (eelgrass) on the shores near “Cates Landing”, close to Whey-ah-wichen. Through this, we are supporting marine ecosystems to restore habitat, and also helping to buffer waves, stabilize the shoreline, and provide oxygen for the environment.

Soon after, the divers saw lots of horse clams throughout the transplant site, as well as lots of Dungeness crabs and some red rock crabs. So, our community and staff have contributed to immediate habitat improvement!

This restoration work is part of a partnership project by Tsleil-Waututh Nation and SeaChange Marine Conservation Society

See some photos from the on-shore work here: