Transplanting cə́ləm (eelgrass) to Restore Ecosystems in Burrard Inlet 

Transplanting cə́ləm (eelgrass) to Restore Ecosystems in Burrard Inlet 

News & UpdatesTransplanting cə́ləm (eelgrass) to Restore Ecosystems in Burrard Inlet 

Transplanting cə́ləm (eelgrass) to Restore Ecosystems in Burrard Inlet 

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:

Latest Articles

Whey-ah-Wichen Shoreline Restoration Update: Picnic Shelter, Rain Gardens, and Beneficial Reuse 
The səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) Natural Resource Planning Team is excited to announce significant progress on the Whey-ah-Wichen shoreline restoration project. This fall saw the completion of the upland portion of the project. Perhaps the most exciting feature is a new picnic shelter, located between the boat launch and Wally’s Burgers, which features səlilwətaɬ red posts and yellow cedar beams.
səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) & Evolve E-Bike Share Partner for More Accessible, Connected Transportation
BCAA’s Evolve E-Bike Share is expanding services to səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), and by extending service along Dollarton Highway into Parkgate and Deep Cove. The new partnership between səlilwətaɬ and Evolve focuses on improving access to transport for Members within the community and enhancing connections with neighbouring communities.
Sunsets, S’mores, and Canoeing on Sasamat Lake – A Recap of the 2025 səlilwətaɬ Boat Trips to təmtəmíxʷtən 
Working collaboratively to re-establish our səlilwətaɬ community’s connection to təmtəmíxʷtən, an ancestral village site, our Nation’s Treaty, Lands and Resources Department, with support from Metro Vancouver Regional Parks, organized boat trips and events for the səlilwətaɬ community.
Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Great Canadian Entertainment Enter Agreement for Purchase of Hastings Casino in Vancouver
səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) and Great Canadian Entertainment announced they have entered into a definitive agreement for the purchase by TWN from Great Canadian Entertainment of the casino portion of the business and the casino-related real property interests at Hastings Racecourse & Casino.
The Return of the Salmon
Every year, the summer comes with excitement for a busy field season. The days are longer, the plants are lush and full of life, and our animal friends are returning to show off their growing families. Each year we welcome back the salmon to our waters and on odd numbered years, we welcome our run of pink salmon back to the Indian River Watershed.
Presenting the 2024-2025 səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) Annual Report 
We invite you to learn about our work and achievements from all departments across səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) in our 2024-2025 Annual Report.