OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
DND: Although not part of the proposed Marine protected area, a portion of Race Rocks Ecological Reserve (ER) is contained within the Department of National Defence (DND) Military Training Area WQ (“Whiskey Quebec”). The Navy began using Bentinck Island , which is proximal to the Race Rocks ER, as a demolition training area in 1962, however no training activities actually occur within the ER. DND intends to continue to undertake demolitions training within the WQ at Bentinck Island for the foreseeable future.Ecological features of importance
PEARSON COLLEGE
The high currents in the area with nutrient laden water lead to a highly productive ecosystem with high biodiversity of Invertebrates, fish and marine algae. It is a seabird nesting colony for four species, a migratory stopover for countless migrants and overwintering residence for several thousand gulls of several species. It also provides habitat for several species of endangered and listed plants and animals. It is the largest marine mammal haulout and birthing colony on southern Vancouver Island and a Northern Elephant seal birthing colony, a harbour seal birthing colony, a haulout for a large colony of Northern (Steller’s) sea lion from August to April, and a haulout for a large colony of California sea lions especially Sept. to December each year. The college has supported research on hydroids by Dr. Anita Brinckmann-Voss leading to the identification of over 65 species of that group of cnidarians, several which are new species records. In the racerocks.com taxonomy files, an inventory featuring all individual species from the island is continually being updated as new photographs, videos and observations are available. A large bank of video archives also forms a core of the documentation of animals and events on the island, and the Daily Log section provides a record of daily happenings on the island from the viewpoint of the resident ecoguardian, a monthly photo gallery provided by a viewer using the remote camera, and a log of updates to the website of resources for Race Rocks.
DIVING
Pristine ecology: deep water, nutrient load, hard substrate, marine mammals, invertebrates, biodiversity,

RECREATIONAL BOATING
Diversity of wildlife, varieties of fish and kelp beds, opportunities too view whale porpoise and dolphins and the variety of Pinepeds that use Race Rocks as a haul out.

MARINE WILDLIFE VIEWING
The breadth of Conservation and Stewardship issues that passengers are introduced to by our Marine Naturalists is greater at Race Rocks than at any one other location we visit. Kelp Forests, Upwelling, Air & Water-borne Contaminants, Fish Habitat, Tidal Flow & Power, MMPA, SARA, MPA’s, NMCA, Acoustics, etc. The numbers of Harbour Seals, Steller Sea Lions and California Sea Lions have continued to increase in contrast to step declines in other parts of the Pacific NW and Alaska, and Elephant Seals and Humpback Whales have returned.
OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
EC: Migratory seabirds

ENGO
High biodiversity, eelgrass and kelp beds, endangered and threatened species (southern resident and transient orcas, grey whales, humpbacks), key shorebird habitat, tides and currents of the Juan de Fuca Strait; transition zone between the Vancouver Island Inland Sea and the Pacific West Coast Marine Region.

The current Ecological Reserve is comprised of the land of 9 islands and the subtidal seafloor to 20 fathoms. 35.5 meters however water column is not jurisdictionally part of the ER though it is functionally inseparably linked. On land only a small envelope around the Lighthouse tower and solar panels remain on a coastguard/DFO lease. The ER supports 53 known species of marine birds that use the Race Rocks roosting and nesting and surrounding marine waters for feeding. The current ER provides critical nesting habitat for glaucous-winged gulls, pigeon guillemots, black oystercatchers and possibly Brandt’s cormorants. The MOE web information indicated that twenty-three percent of the pelagic cormorant population in the eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca nests at Race Rocks, however three years ago pelagic cormorant declined to 0% and they now only come as winter stopovers and residents. Marine mammal species found at Race Rocks are representative of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and include five species of pinnipeds and ten species of cetaceans (five of which are common). The area is primarily used as a stopover and rafting site for California and northern seal lions in the winter. Harbour seals are the primary year-round resident users for haul-out, birthing, and rearing and a small population of elephant seals. The ER is the largest haul-out for harbour seals in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the second largest in the Canadian waters of the Georgia Basin, and can represent up to 20% of the southern Gulf Islands’ population. There is a high abundance and diversity of benthic invertebrates within the Reserve. Urchins, soft coral, brittle stars, hydroids (> 65 species) and anemones are particularly abundant. Pacific abalone occurs throughout the Reserve and is listed as a threatened species by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). See HYPERLINK “http://www.racerocks.com/” http://www.racerocks.com/ for more detailed ecological information.
.
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
The fact that RR is a relatively intact ecosystem in close proximity to and urban area makes it special. The diversity of the ecosystem and most importantly the manner in which it has been documented and communicated makes it of importance to many education programs. The fact that RR is now a high profile model of the benefits of ecological protection improves understanding and enhances the importance of the ecological features.

RECREATIONAL FISHING
The existing Race Rocks Ecological Reserve and Rock Fish Conservation Area provide a refugia to many resident fish and invertebrate species and the feed they rely upon. This protected refugia is known for it’s abundant marine life and acts as a ‘seeding ground’ to surrounding local areas such as Pedder Bay, Rocky Point and Whirl Bay. Diverse abundant ecological values exist in this area of important tidal upwelling due to the unique bathymetry acting as a haven for a significant assortment of flora and fauna.

Geographic features of importance:

PEARSON COLLEGE
The archipelago of islands is a unique geographic feature providing optimal exposure in the Strait of Juan de Fuca to diverse elements of wind and currents which lead to a highly biodiverse ecosystem. Its location provides the highest measured upwelling area of the west coast which results in deep water species occurring at a shallow depth and a large biomass of contributed larvae and planktonic species. The geology and other physical factors of the area are unique as well and provide a special set of habitats to a large number of species. It is also the most southerly point of Canada on the Pacific Coast.

MARINE WILDLIFE VIEWING
The contrast of Race Rocks and Rosedale Rock with the depth of Juan de Fuca Strait, and the proximity of this unique ecological gem to Victoria, The general low degree of slope to the many rock outcroppings that allow Sea Lions relatively easy access to haul outs, and the number of haul outs protected from almost all wind and wave directions

DIVING
Walls and pinnacles, crevices, high current drift diving, proximity to centre (weather is an issue however).

RECREATIONAL BOATING
a fully functioning Light house with an operational fog horn, Haul out rocks currents and tide vaitions caused by the rocks

OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
EC: nesting and foraging areas

ENGO
extensive coastline, boulder and gravel beaches, marshes, sandcliffs, sandy coves, vertical rock faces, undersea ridges and cliffs, reefs, shoals, and offshore islands

The group of islands that compromise Race Rocks are part of a larger sea mount and a transition from terrestrial to deep water marine ecosystems. Due to its location next to the deep marine waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca this ER provides an example of a diverse and productive ecosystem with high biological diversity.
.
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
RR is the gateway to the Salish Sea and it is seen as an icon of the region, ecosystem and traditional territories of the Salish people.

RECREATIONAL FISHING
As a part of ocean fishing, boating is an integral aspect of the sport and as such Race Rocks islets and coastline can provide shelter from the elements and act as reference points to navigation. Much of the underwater geography creates a unique up welling of nutrient and feed thus attracting many recreational sought fish and invertebrate species to the adjacent areas.

Cultural features of importance:

PEARSON COLLEGE
The island has a historic light station and has hosted generations of pioneering light keeper families who survived under difficult conditions. A year from now, in December 2010, the light tower marks its 150th year as a guiding beacon for those plying the waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. In recent years, our investigations on the rock mounds on the island have led them to be identified as pre-contact First Nations burial mounds from a culture that thrived in the area from 1000 to 1500 years ago, and then disappeared . In the year 2000 with the assistance of a First Nations elder, we sought the place name for Race Rocks from a another elder, the late Tom Charles of Beecher Bay, and were granted permission then to use the Klallum name Xwayen, the area of swift flowing water. Race Rocks is essentially in the geographic centre of the Salish Sea. The first peoples of that sea recognized the close relationship between the land and the sea and we have always dedicated on the home page of racerocks.com, an icon which changes with the 13 stages of the moon as recognized by that culture.

MARINE WILDLIFE VIEWING
Race Rocks inspires and awes peoples of many cultural and spiritual backgrounds because it has an almost sacred feel to it: Animals and creatures live on it and in the air and water around it, but it give the impression that it is not owned by anyone or anything. It is an expression of Nature or Higher Power.

DIVING
Shipwrecks, historical importance, lighthouse, navigational history,

RECREATIONAL BOATING
History pertaining to human activity. I.e. light house is 150 yrs. old and was built in Scotland and brought over as ballast in ships.
ENGO

Traditional use of the area and its resources by the Coast Salish, and coastal and maritime history (quarries, lighthouse construction).
See Pearson College for a values statement of cultural features of importance. The Lighthouse and outbuildings provide the infra structure for the research culture that FER is hoping can be fostered and increased should the area become a MPA. There are other benefits afforded by Lighthouses such as Trial Island which afford additional safe guards for fragile ecosystems in the ER there.
.
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
When discussing the ecosystem it is essential to include an understanding of human activity as an important element. RR is interesting in that it includes early Coast Salish activities and the recent arrival of settlers and the construction of the light station. This kind of history of human involvement is a valued teaching opportunity. Several teachers, including elders, see the cultural significance of RR as a bridge between First Nations and settler communities. Several educators valued this aspect very highly and expressed that desire for more information.

OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
DND: The lighthouse at Race Rocks has been used a navigational aid by the Navy since it’s construction in 1860.

RECREATIONAL FISHING:
Shipwrecks and the perils of navigation (strong ocean currents, heavy fog and shallow rocky pinnacles), ancient First Nations burial sites and the interesting history of the lighthouse and its keepers are all qualities of the Race Rocks area. Awareness of this rich cultural and these historic values adds more weight to the overall importance of Race Rocks as an MPA to be protected in perpetuity.

Human threats to any of the important features

PEARSON COLLEGE
The human presence at Race Rocks is a critical component to making this endeavour a success on many levels whether it be safety ; ecological stewardship and restoration; science,  education and research; human activities monitoring. As such, adequate funding levels must be maintained to a level that will enable these essential activities to continue. To date, Pearson College has been solely responsible for finding the necessary funds to continue operations. It is important that appropriate funding be secured to enable long term sustainability. There has been a continuation of problematic recreational boaters who view and disturb animals and birds from too close a distance and increase the chance of boat strikes on marine mammals and diving birds. There continues to be on an intermittent basis recreational fishing in the reserve.There is ongoing concern for boat traffic, noise and effluent that goes with it, speed reduction and viewing distance. Airline overflights continue to cause occasional disruption to the mammal and bird colonies. The implementation of the DFO regulations on Marine wildlife viewing are long overdue. The threat of an oil or chemical spill is always possible in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This would be heightened if there is an increase in Juan de Fuca Tanker Traffic and removal of the moratorium on offshore drilling. The disposal of wastes and bilge water from all ships and the increasing onset of Cruise lines operating in the area is a real concern. The rockfish protection area should be maintained and strengthened so that threats to marine mammals are reduced and stock recovery in the area is enhanced.

MARINE WILDLIFE VIEWING
Overuse of the land. Vessel traffic not in accordance with guidelines, especially incursions into Kelp or too close to Marine Mammals. Potential for unintended consequences of Tidal Flow Turbines or any new installations.
DIVING
Speed limits, anchoring, less damage to the area would be beneficial for this activity. Loss of biodiversity (untreated effluent)

RECREATIONAL BOATING
Pollution (oil etc), lost commercial nets

OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS

EC: boat traffic – disturbance to seabirds / nesting colony
DND: Noise from demolitions training at the Bentinck Island Demolition Range at CFAD Rocky Point have the potential to disturb pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) hauled out in the Race Rocks ER.

ENGO
Harmful fishing gear, contaminants, introduction of invasive species, boat traffic
In 1991, DFO closed Race Rocks Ecological Reserve to commercial fishing and shellfish harvesting. Race Rocks was also closed to the recreational harvest of shellfish, ling cod and rock fish. The area is presently closed to all fishing as a Rockfish Protection area. — no longer can there be any fishing except first nations. The use of Department of National Defense nearby is considered a disturbance threat species in the ER as are over flights. Cruiseship and tanker discharges are considered a threat as aggressive wildlife viewing and illegal fishing and shellfish harvest.

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
Insufficient funding for the continued presence of an Ecoguardian and the teaching technology that education and outreach groups value. Without the web presence RR would become isolated and removed from the public. In the course of discussions about the need for protection at RR and of RR as a case study for protected areas three issues arise that are seen as threats; ballast water dumping, DND explosives detonation and aircraft over flights.

RECREATIONAL FISHING

Threats to Race Rock islets, the terrestrial and marine life that relies on them are:
Single source pollution events such as ships ballast and bilge water and oil spills,
Reckless boating practises that may harm fish and wildlife,
Degradation of the ocean due to human caused contamination,
Poaching,
Ghost commercial fishing equipment
Over regulation resulting in too restrict access to the area

Other threats to the area

RECREATIONAL BOATING
Regulating the access to most if not all.

OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
TC: sewage from cruise ships
.
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
The impacts of introduced species.

RECREATIONAL FISHING

The failure to provide sufficient resources to enforcement agencies in order to observe, apprehend and prosecute those who would break the law by harming the marine life, the fish, the invertebrates and the seabed within the Race Rocks proposed MPA.

ENGO

In future serious concern that there will be a lack of interest in monitoring and research and no sustained Federal support to maintain research and monitoring of the marine-terrestrial ecosystems and build from the 30 year base now established. Departmental isolation so that Canadian Wildlife Service and DFO do not integrate and coordinate on marine research and neither group learns from data and well structured research how to manage the larger ecosystems. That the Federal government research will not be sufficiently independent and objective to alter other Federal Departments such as Defence and Transportation.
Ineffective enforcement and inadequate consequences for those altering the ecosystems and reducing it value as a natural benchmarks and monitoring sites.
Lack of support, monitoring and self reporting by First Nations of their harvest.
No focus and use of the benchmark data from this site by DFO to manage marine resource elsewhere, no paradigm shift to understanding natural systems and applying this to management outside of MPAs.
That Race Rocks represents the end of the MPA process for DFO rather than the beginning of a more extensive system of representative ecological marine systems strongly and directly linked to reduced marine resources uncertainties.

Vision:
PEARSON COLLEGE
Pearson College has provided internet linkage to the resources of the island since 2000. Since it is a small area with a complex set of ecosystems, it is our hope that direct human contact remains minimal, while global access to the resources through the internet remains high. The commitment of volunteers, faculty, staff and students of Pearson College over the last 30 years in assembling the resources of Race Rocks and then making them available on racerocks.com and racerocks.ca is evidence of how we value maintaining the ecological integrity of the reserve, and wish to continue sharing it with the world. We plan to continue to support the activities and programs currently underway; improve on them and support new activities and endeavours that will add to our understanding and continued protection of the ecosystem. The College is committed to explore and expand its research and education opportunities available at RR and maintain a long term presence as the custodian of the Ecological Reserve. It will continue to demonstrate the use and integration of sustainable resources and renewable energy with the goal to reduce the emissions from our operations to an absolute minimum. Since de-staffing of the station by the Coast Guard in 1997, Lester B. Pearson College has hired Ecoguardian staff to be resident on Race Rocks and has raised over $1 million for operating costs at Race Rocks in the past 12 years of operation. Pearson College will continue to employ staff as Ecoguardians and station operators year round. Currently a full time resident marine scientist holds this position.

MARINE WILDLIFE VIEWING
PWWA sees Race Rocks as a place that we are privileged to visit. Highlight its uniqueness, but also create a great model for responsible viewing that can be replicated elsewhere. We want to continue to introduce passengers to Race Rocks to inspire them to act in more environmentally sound ways in their daily life. We agree with the Diving Community on the importance of access management, resource management, enforcement, taking a multi-use approach. Multiple uses while ensuring the productivity and ecological importance of the area. Community involvement and cooperation will be key to ensuring the longevity.

RECREATIONAL BOATING
A reserve that allows independent public access and education with respect for the wild life that use the area as a home

OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
EC: Boaters respect the needs of nesting and foraging seabirds
DND: The Department of National Defence is endeavouring to minimize the disturbance of marine mammals in the Race Rocks ER from demolitions training by implementing mitigation measures at Bentinck Island.

ENGO
Protection of key habitat for species, maintaining abundance and diversity in the face of climate change, involvement of the community and First Nations, incorporation of new science, adaptive management
That Race Rocks become a MPA and DFO and CWS as well as Transport Canada and Department of National Defence become fully integrated and coordinated on management objectives. That First Nations actively supports the MPA and more fully develop a participatory role in it. That the priorities for the ER and MPA together are conservation and research that guide Federal and provincial polices. That the MPA has an ecological meaningful boundary as well a boundary that is easily communicated to others when in the area. That full implementation of Priority 1 and 2 in the current ER management plan for the areas added by the marine waters (available on MOE web site HYPERLINK “http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/eco_reserve/reserve_m_r.html#r” http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/eco_reserve/reserve_m_r.html#r ). That other stakeholders become equally supportive and understand the need and importance of no take zones monitoring and research so that we can confidently consciously know that MPA are contributing to sustainable use and enjoyment of marine resources. That the Race Rocks MPA and the template developed, the management plan and the advisory board form a template for a network of Marine Protected areas that from a significant portion of all coastal waters.
.
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
Continued protection with the presence of an Ecoguardian to expand educational opportunities and enlist the full cooperation of all local stakeholders. The education resource rr.com must evolve to include on line data sensors and resources that bring the ecosystem into the classroom.

RECREATIONAL FISHING:
In recognition of potential climate change threats and a movement by government to develop a network of refugia along Canada’s west coast, Race Rocks proposed MPA with its existing footprint has emerged as a suitable candidate site. Conserving the abundance and diverse ecological values, plus saving from harm the unique seabed and islets, as well as the historical and cultural values of Race Rocks for the benefit of future generations is a wise objective.

Importance:

PEARSON COLLEGE
It must be possible for all who pass through this part of the Salish Sea to be informed of its unique values and must be committed to allow it to remain a relatively pristine and undisturbed ecosystem. The significant education and research value can endure if Race Rocks Marine Protected area is well supported and locally managed.

MARINE WILDLIFE VIEWING
The breadth of Conservation and Stewardship issues that passengers are introduced to by our Marine Naturalists is greater at Race Rocks than at any one other location we visit. This is one of the prime Educational Opportunities that we have on our cruises. It is also extremely entertaining to a wide variety of people and this “Wow!” factor can act as a catalyst for passengers to become advocates for Environmental Activism and Reforms in their home towns and cities. Seeing one sea lion with plastic wrapped around its neck can kick-start a passenger’s interest in recycling programs. Visitors being able to view on-line maintains that connection and impact.

RECREATIONAL BOATING
This area is important to the boating community as it leaves a lasting impression on all who visit

ENGO
It is an area rich in biodiversity and representative of B.C.’s ecological wealth
This is a benchmark study area from which a continued coordinated effort to monitor fish and wildlife can benefit fish and wildlife management enormously. There are hopes that there will be strong support for protected marine areas from those who benefit from fishing, commercially and recreationally. That First Nations fully support the need to quickly learning how to live sustainably and that a system of protected areas associated with all marine island ER is supported by user groups and First Nations and that there are resources for monitoring and research. Natural areas are considered to be our best insurance for keeping the diversity and productive so we can sustainably manage for the benefit of all who reside on the shores of the Salish sea and benefit from the natural resources it’s provides us.
.
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
Because it is the best protected and yet most interactive ecological site in Canada.

RECREATIONAL FISHING
Race Rocks proposed MPA provides a geographical and navigational focus point for mariners including recreational anglers. The proposed MPA also creates a refugia for resident species and their feed; this acts as a seeding ground for the surrounding area, which is important to anglers in maintaining sustainable fisheries. Also Race Rocks and all its features enhance the angling experience by providing additional opportunities for anglers to view wildlife, the islets, their flora and fauna and the lighthouse thus increasing the value of the outdoors adventure.