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Stewarding Shorelines with Salmon
in Mind

While protecting undeveloped shoreline habitat Since it is unrealistic to fully remove urban water-
and restoring eelgrass or coastal riparian areas fronts, scientists, planners, and engineers are
are important examples of stewardship, there are coming up with ways that these areas can support
opportunities for stewardship in places where more biodiversity once again . Thinking beyond
shoreline infrastructure is unavoidable too . traditional solutions can go a long way in protecting

For example, we know that overwater structures, our salmon . Seattle, Washington is leading the
such as docks and piers, stop juvenile salmon way by reconstructing their downtown waterfront
from accessing shallow areas that are normally with migrating Pacific salmon in mind . Check out
important refuge and foraging areas for them the build in action! In areas that are covered with
because they are dark and lack complex habitats piers and walkways, glass blocks and grating have
(Munsch et al . 2017; and see Chapter 5) . The been installed to allow light to penetrate through
simplest action is to avoid building more docks to the water (Figure 8 .4a) . At the same time, on
than necessary, and share with neighbours if and adjacent to seawalls, they have added surface
possible . When an overwater structure must be complexity that mimics a more natural shallow
built, it can be designed considering the needs habitat and created depth gradients using textured
of the ecosystem . So that it is not so dark face panels, constructed marine mattresses, and
underneath, a dock can be made more like to habitat benches (Figure 8 .4b) . Seattle has also
a bridge, that is, above the water and with fewer converted waterfront parks and armoured areas
pilings — especially in the first few metres of into beaches with backshore vegetation and this
the shore . Grating can be used in place of solid has boosted habitat and prey sources for salmon
decking to allow more light to dapple through to (Toft et al . 2013) . These beaches are a win-win
the water below . It is also important to avoid the as they are also very popular with the human
use of creosoted or chemically treated footings, residents . Together, these efforts turn areas of
which are highly toxic . habitat that was lost long ago into places that
are usable again for salmon . Learn more about
this and similarly spirited projects being trialed
around the world .

Figure 8.4a – In Seattle, salmon friendly seawalls have Figure 8.4b – The newly restored seawall features
been built in the heart of their downtown waterfront. structural complexity to help mimic more natural habitat
They are made up of glass sidewalks that allow light to conditions for salmon and their prey. Credit: Waterfront Seattle
dapple through to shallow rocky areas — to support
salmon and their prey. Photo by: Bob Oxborrow
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