Help Baynes Sound

View the full video below and visit the CCOBS website for more information.

Help Us Save Baynes Sound: Protect Our Waters from Toxic Shipbreaking

Nestled along the east coast of British Columbia, Baynes Sound is a place of breathtaking natural beauty. Its clear waters and abundant marine life make it one of the most ecologically rich areas in British Columbia. This special stretch of water was named an Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in 2012. Baynes Sound is vital not only for its scenic beauty but also for its role in sustaining life. It produces over half of British Columbia’s shellfish, supports diverse wildlife, and is a cornerstone of the local economy.

One of the most crucial species supported by Baynes Sound is the Pacific herring. Herring are the backbone of the marine food web in this region, providing essential nourishment for a wide range of predators, including salmon, seabirds, and marine mammals. The health of the herring population directly affects the entire ecosystem, making Baynes Sound a vital spawning ground for these fish and a critical habitat that needs our protection.

For generations, families have relied on these waters for fishing, aquaculture, and recreation.

The Hidden Threat of Shipbreaking

Shipbreaking, the process of dismantling old ships for scrap, is necessary for recycling valuable materials. But when it's done in sensitive areas like Baynes Sound, it poses serious risks to the environment and public health. A company operating in Union Bay has started breaking apart ships which has led to the release of hazardous materials such as copper, lead, and zinc into the water. These heavy metals contaminate the marine environment, putting fish, shellfish, and other wildlife at risk.

Despite multiple warnings from environmental authorities and a Pollution Abatement Order issued by the Ministry of the Environment, the company continues its operations, appealing the orders and ignoring the Environmental Appeal Board's (EAB) decision to deny a stay of the order. There has been virtually no enforcement action taken to stop the pollution. You can read more about the multiple warnings and EAB findings here. https://nrced.gov.bc.ca/records;keywords=5084 This ongoing pollution is not just an environmental concern—it’s a threat to everyone who relies on Baynes Sound for their livelihood and well-being. https://www.bceab.ca/decision/eab-ema-24-a014a/

Why We Need Your Help: Our Project and Its Goals

We are actively fundraising to safeguard Baynes Sound from the hazards of unregulated shipbreaking. Fortunately, we have received a grant from the Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund (EDRF) through West Coast Environmental Law (WCEL), which will support our efforts. However, this grant is not enough to cover all the costs of this crucial and expensive work, and we need your help. Your donations will enable us to engage legal experts and environmental professionals to advocate for stricter regulations and enforce existing laws. This funding is essential for supporting our legal initiatives and advocacy campaigns, ensuring that shipbreaking operations prioritize environmental protection and community health. Your support will help us make Baynes Sound a safe haven for marine life, local businesses, and families. This work will help not only Baynes Sound but all of British Columbia!

Protecting Baynes Sound isn't just about preserving its natural beauty; it's about safeguarding our community's vitality. Clean water and a healthy environment mean safe seafood, thriving local businesses, and a future where families can continue to cherish the sound's beauty for years to come. Your contribution to our cause is pivotal. It will empower us to combat harmful practices, safeguard the herring population vital to our ecosystem, and advocate for stronger regulatory standards to prevent future environmental risks.

Who We Are: Concerned Citizens of Baynes Sound (CCOBS)

The Concerned Citizens of Baynes Sound (CCOBS) is a registered society in British Columbia, dedicated to protecting our local environment from the dangers of unregulated industrial activities. Since 2019, we have been actively fighting to protect Baynes Sound through public awareness campaigns, legal actions, and advocacy efforts. As a registered society, we are committed to full transparency with all donations received. Every dollar will be accounted for and used solely to fund our mission to safeguard Baynes Sound. We believe in building trust with our supporters and will provide regular updates on how funds are being used to support our cause.

This cause is personal. It’s about the families who live and work by Baynes Sound, including a local family with small children living immediately beside the shipbreaking site. They fear for their health due to exposure to toxic pollutants. It’s about fishermen and oyster farmers who depend on clean water for their livelihood. And it’s about everyone who enjoys the beauty and bounty of Baynes Sound. We are mothers, fathers, business owners, and neighbors, standing together to fight for our environment. Our commitment is sincere, and we are determined to see this through with your support.

We understand that donating is a personal decision. If you're inspired by our cause, there are many ways to help:

• Donate: Every dollar makes a difference. Your contribution will go directly toward legal fees, environmental assessments, and advocacy efforts.

• Share: Spread the word by sharing our campaign on social media, with friends, and in your community. The more people who know about Baynes Sound’s plight, the greater our impact.

• Get Involved: Join us at local events, demonstrations, and meetings to show your support. Your voice is powerful, and together, we can make a change.

Join Us in Protecting Baynes Sound

Baynes Sound is not just a beautiful place—it’s a vital part of our community’s identity and livelihood. Protecting it from the dangers of toxic shipbreaking is a responsibility we all share. The survival of the herring population, and by extension the health of the entire marine ecosystem, depends on clean and safe waters. We need your support to make this happen. By contributing to our GoFundMe campaign, you are standing with us to fight for stronger environmental protections. You are helping to ensure a future where Baynes Sound can thrive, where families can live without fear, and where our natural heritage is preserved for generations to come.

Take Action Now

Please donate to our GoFundMe campaign and share this message with your friends, family, and networks. Together, we can protect Baynes Sound and set a precedent for safe, responsible environmental practices across Canada. Thank you for your support. Together, we can make a lasting impact. For further information, please visit

https://concernedcitizensofbaynessoundorg.wordpress.com

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