These frequently asked questions are open to the public. If you would like to ask more questions here, please e-mail Mary or Alison.We will post questions and answers here!

We are currently working on a Swim, Drink, Fish Guide, which will answer many more questions about how safe it is to swim and fish in the Fraser River as well as how safe the drinking water supply systems are in B.C. Stay tuned for our expanded FAQ section.

What is a Waterkeeper?

A Waterkeeper is a group of caring people who are non-governmental stewards for a local river, lake, bay, coastline, estuary, or other waterway. Waterkeepers respond to community complaints, identify problems that affect their bodies of water, and devise appropriate remedies to address problems. Waterkeeper Alliance is the international organization under which individual groups of Waterkeepers structure themselves.

A Waterkeeper (or in our case, Riverkeeper) is also one person who is key to a particular Waterkeepers group. The Waterkeeper is recognized by the community, local government, and media as the voice for that particular body of water.

Who is Waterkeeper Alliance?

Waterkeeper Alliance is the international center of a network of Waterkeeper programs. Based in America, the Alliance approves new Waterkeeper programs, licenses the use of the Waterkeeper names, represents the individual Waterkeepers on issues of national interest, and serves as a meeting place for all the Waterkeepers to exchange information, strategy, and know-how. The Alliance and its member Waterkeeper groups meet at least once a year, rotating between regions, and communicate regularly in the interim.

Waterkeepers Canada, including Fraser Riverkeeper, is part of the international network of Waterkeepers.

Does Fraser Riverkeeper monitor water quality?

Our full-time Riverkeeper, Doug Chapman, utilizes Fraser Riverkeeper’s boat to patrol the waters along the lower mainland Fraser River and its tributaries, including the Georgia Straight and the Burrard Inlet. Doug gathers data by water-sampling in areas of major and minor industry and follows up on our Pollution Hotline tips.

What does Fraser Riverkeeper do with this data?

After Doug investigates water samples over time, and finds evidence of wrongdoing, he will either notify health authorities, or, in the case where illegal dumpers are breaking the Fisheries Act, lead a private prosecution or other intervention measure.

What happened to the salmon stocks in the summer of 2009?

Currently a judicial inquiry is forming, titled the Cohen Commission, which will be heading the investigation into declining and very low stocks during the past few years, especially return runs from last summer. Many threats may be at play, including sea lice from fish farms along salmon migratory routes, water pollution, and warming waters/reduced dissolved oxygen in waters.