Shellfish logo used by permission, courtesy of the Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association (PCSGA).

Website hosted by:

Drayton Harbor Projects

Wildlife/Non-Human Contributions

Humans are not the only organisms that can contribute bacterial pollution to our waters. Birds and other warm-blooded animals are also fecal coliform contributors. Drayton Harbor is a wonderful place for waterfowl and thousands of birds can be seen in and around the harbor. The presence of seafood processors on the wharves can concentrate the birds into a very small area, which can result in large amounts of waste going into the harbor in a concentrated area. Seals use the floating breakwater at the Semiahmoo Marina as a haul-out. Having the haul-out may increase the number of seals within the harbor, thereby increasing the likelihood that they may be contributing to the pollution problem.

Pets are a big part of our lives. Their waste also can have a huge impact on water quality. People walk their pets on tideflats, along rivers and streams, through woods and fields and many do not think about the effect their animal's waste can have on water quality when it rains and it gets washed into the nearest stream or the tide comes in and washes it off the beach.

• Mutt Mitts Program - In the spring of 2001, three mutt mitt stations were set up along Marine Drive to allow pet owners an easy way to pick up after their pets. From April 2001 to April 2004, 18,650 mitts were used, keeping at least 15 trillion fecal coliform bacteria out of the harbor.

On-site Septic Systems
Municipal Sewer Systems
Agricultural Practices
Boats/Marinas
Stormwater Runoff
Wildlife/Non-human Contributions
Other Sources
Education and Community Involvement
Data Management/Water Quality Monitoring
Reports