2023 R30 – Reducing Anchorages Outside the Port of Vancouver

Whereas the Salish Sea is a sensitive marine ecosystem and critical habitat for many species including endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales, and the use of freighter anchorages outside the Port of Vancouver for ships waiting to be loaded in the Port of Vancouver is extremely detrimental to the marine ecosystem;

And whereas ports in other parts of the world have reduced or eliminated the need for freighter anchorages by upgrading infrastructure, increasing efficiencies, and implementing port call optimization systems:

Therefore be it resolved that the UBCM request the federal government and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority take all available actions to immediately reduce the use of freighter anchorages along southern Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands;

And be it further resolved that Transport Canada expand monitoring and inspection of freighters anchored outside the limits of the Port of Vancouver.