Burrard Inlet Water Quality Objectives

Water quality objectives (WQOs) for Burrard Inlet represent a collaborative effort led by Tsleil-Waututh Nation with the Province of B.C. to inform water quality management and protect the water values associated with the marine waters of Burrard Inlet and its freshwater tributaries.

The Burrard Inlet WQOs have been co-signed by the Province of B.C. and Tsleil-Waututh Nation, establishing a first of its kind Government-to-Government initiative that weaves western science with Traditional Indigenous Values and Knowledge. The WQOs are for the protection of human consumption of shellfish, human consumption of finfish, aquatic life, wildlife, cultural practices, recreational uses, and institutional uses.

The Burrard Inlet WQOs update is a work in progress and new WQOs will be added as the supporting technical reports are completed for each water quality parameter of concern. The current WQOs (1990) for the freshwater tributaries to Burrard Inlet remain in effect. Updating the Burrard Inlet WQOs is the first of six priority actions proposed by Tsleil-Waututh Nation in their Burrard Inlet Action Plan and lays the foundation for further efforts to protect the water quality and values of Burrard Inlet.