News/Reports

Ten mile Point ER #66 Purpose Statement

Posted March 17, 2003 | Categories : 66,Management,Reports |

Ecological reserves are areas selected to preserve representative and special natural ecosystems, plant and animal species, features and phenomena. The key goal of ecological reserves is to contribute to the maintenance of biological diversity and the protection of genetic materials. All consumptive resource uses and the use of motorized vehicles are prohibited. Research and educational activities may be carried out but only under permit.

See the complete PDF here: tenmilept2003_ps

Primary Role

The primary role of Ten Mile Point Ecological Reserve is to provide an undisturbed, intertidal and subtidal study area accessible by car in the Greater Victoria area. The ecological reserve includes 450 meters of intertidal shoreline along Cadboro Point. Coastal features include a sheltered cove (Maynard Bay), rocky headlands, tide pools, rip current channels and four islets only accessible at low tide. The rocky shore exhibits excellent zonation typical of southern Vancouver Island, with 42 species of algae noted at one to eight metre depths. At least 55 species of invertebrates have been recorded, of which molluscs, crustaceans and echinoderms are notably diverse. The ecological reserve also protects significant subtidal species, including sea stars, sea cucumbers and rockfish. Salmon, harbour porpoise, harbour seals and orcas all occur off this shore. Seabirds, including rhinoceros auklets and pigeon guillemots, feed in the waters around this ecological reserve. Karmutsen formation pillow basalts are protected in the foreshore.

Research opportunities include but are not limited to coastal ecology, marine biology, and human impacts on the coastal zone.

Management Issues

Known Management Issue

Response

Impact and precedence of non – conforming uses in the ecological reserve – BC Hydro line, boat launch, recreation use of an accessible beach
  • Review the ecological reserve boundary to delete existing utility rights-of-way and popular recreation area.

Impacts as a result of the removal of ecological reserve resources (rocks, wood, marine life, kelp, oysters), marine harvesting, unauthorized recreational use (fishing, boat launching), trespass by neighbours (e.g. structures, rock walls), “Promotion” of area by District of Saanich as a public recreation area (i.e. installation of a bench)
  •  Work with the ecological reserve warden and volunteers to increase the monitoring of the ecological reserve.
  •  Install signs to explain the values of the ecological reserve and gain cooperation.
  • Continue to work with the District of Saanich, University of Victoria, Ten Mile Point Committee Association and adjacent property owners to promote understanding and protection of the ecological reserve.
  •  Enlist the assistance of the Friends of Ecological Reserves in developing a community appreciation for ecological reserves and their purpose.
  •  Ensure educational institutions inform students of the ecological reserve status and appropriate uses.
  •  Work with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to ensure fishery closures are followed.
  •  Ensure that the local community abides by the ruling that was handed down on the trespass issue.

Unknown natural and cultural values
  • Encourage educational institutions to undertake research and inventories to add to the knowledge of marine, natural and cultural values.

Conservation

Representation – ecosection

  • Upland area is too small to be representative.
  • Ten Mile Point Ecological Reserve contributes minimally (0.13%) to the representation of the Strait of Georgia Marine Ecosection of which only 0.94% is protected provincially.

– biogeoclimatic subzone/variant

  • Upland area is too small to be representative

Special Features

  • Karmutsen formation pillow basalts, marine environments accessible by land within a few minutes for researchers and students in the Greater Victoria area

Rare/Endangered Values

  • Red-listed northern abalone (listed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) as Threatened)

Scientific/Research Opportunities

  • The University of Victoria has conducted research here in the past.
  • Removal of natural features (e.g. rocks, marine life, wood), boat launching, invasive species, submarine power transmission cable, poaching of benthic marine life. Fecal coliform contamination of foreshore by nearby sewage discharge.
  • Ecological reserves are not meant for outdoor recreation; however, some beach activities, fishing, SCUBA diving and kayaking occurs. Management will work with groups to address potential impacts.

Other Management Considerations

  • Part of the Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary (MBS). MBS Regulations prohibit all disturbance, hunting, and collection of migratory birds and their eggs within a MBS.
  • One of 21 marine protected areas in the southern Vancouver Island area
  • Commercial fishery closures specific to the ecological reserve: anchovy, surf and pile perch, sea cucumber, octopus, scallop, shrimp by trawl, smelt, squid, green urchin, red urchin. Recreational fishery closures specific to the ecological reserve: harvesting of shellfish is prohibited.
  • Under the Canadian Sanitary Shellfish Program harvest of bivalve molluscs is prohibited in the foreshore.
  • One of 21 marine protected areas in the southern Vancouver Island area
  • Commercial fishery closures specific to the ecological reserve: anchovy, surf and pile perch, sea cucumber, octopus, scallop, shrimp by trawl, smelt, squid, green urchin, red urchin. Recreational fishery closures specific to the ecological reserve: harvesting of shellfish is prohibited.
  • Under the Canadian Sanitary Shellfish Program harvest of bivalve molluscs is prohibited in the foreshore.

Date of establishment: October 24, 1975