Sept 25, 2018

In mid-2012, while meeting with a BC Parks senior manager, the subject of establishing a standard for stern tie pins was discussed. It was agreed to obtain an engineering report from a qualified engineering firm that would be acceptable to BC Parks for use in all marine parks. Following receipt of that report and working with other design engineers and BC Parks, an acceptable and approved design was agreed to.

During this time, the BC Marine Parks Guide project was launched where surplus BC Marine Parks Guides were donated to the B.C. Marine Parks Forever Society (the Society) by BC Parks to be used for fundraising. For a $10 donation to the Society, a Guide was given out, in appreciation.

The Society decided that the purchase of materials for the Stern Tie Stewardship Program would be funded by the proceeds from the BC Marine Parks Guide project. Approximately $17,000 has been raised, paid into the Parks Enhancement Fund of BC Parks, which then paid out for the materials obtained. All funds raised are used at the discretion of the Society.

The concept that was agreed to with BC Parks was that a selected number of BC marine parks would receive plates, pins and chains to pilot the project and gauge boater reaction and appreciation. All pins were to be approximately 2’ above the high water mark wherever possible.

“The introduction of stern tie points on shorelines in BC Marine Parks will significantly reduce the impact of anchor chains scouring sensitive bottom habitat areas, including eelgrass beds that are slowly recovering through natural regeneration or are being replanted to encourage regeneration.” Nikki Wright, Executive Director, Sea Change Marine Conservation Society, Doug Biffard, Aquatic Ecologist, Natural and Cultural Heritage Section, Ministry of Environment, Protected Areas Division”

In 2015, 2016 and 2017, pins, chains and plates were installed in Melanie Cove (17), Prideaux Haven (17), Scobell Island (3), Smugglers Cove (38) and Halkett Bay (5) with upgrades in Pirates Cove and Princess Cove.

As of September 1, 2018, 103 more pins, chains and ID plates have been installed. (See our separate PDF for information on all sites.) To date, over $124,373 has been invested in the Stern Tie Stewardship Program funded cooperatively between the Society and BC Parks.

For further information please visit: www.marineparksforever.ca/sterntie.