Exploring the Shoreline

Canada has the longest coastline of any country in the world: 202,808 kilometers! It's our responsibility to look after the parts of our coast that we use and love.

You can make a big difference, by pledging to follow these guidelines:

As a Savvy Shoreline User I will…

1. Follow marked paths to the beach, rather than walking across sensitive shoreline areas.
2. Watch my steps and tread lightly on the shore.
3. Leave everything natural, the way I found it, including rocks, sand, shells and sticks.
4. Handle sea-life gently with wet hands and leave it where I found it.
5. Control my pet and dispose of its waste properly.
6. Respect private property and other recreational users.
7. Report environmental problems to the proper authorities.
8. Educate and be a role model for other beach walkers.
9. Get involved in activities and issues that protect and restore marine life.
10. Leave the area as clean or cleaner than I found it.
11. Reconsider having a beach fire. If I do, I’ll keep it small and below the high tide level.
12. Help organize or join a beach clean-up day

Take the Savvy Shoreline User Pledge!

Useful links:

• Marine Habitat: The Intertidal Zone
• Beach Etiquette: How to be Polite to our Marine Friends
• The Courtenay Estuary Clean-Up
• The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup
• Environmental Stewardship Division (BC Government)
• Cowichan Intertidal Stewardship Project