Hello All,
I have been carefully following the current process revolving around the Abrupt Seafood application for rezoning a portion of Preddy Harbour.
Virtually all responses have been thoughtful/insightful and provide very many reasons for denying the application. And I would like to add my voice to the strong chorus recommending that this rezoning be turned down. In summary, most of them for rejection of the application
The most if not all objections (of which I agree with) raised may be summarized under a number of broad categories:
-- negative historical/cultural/sociological impact for both indigenous and settler populations bordering the site.-- lack of any tangible economic value for either of the above mentioned groups.-- negative effects upon the areas, (both included and nearby) impacted by this aquaculture expansion via its projected establishment.-- the poor record of Abrupt Seafood's management of the area currently under cultivation.-- negative impacts upon historical recreation and education uses that will continue into the future-- contrary to Islands Trust values as currently mandated and projected into the future.-- predictable (and as yet unknown) negative impacts on the marine life and its Preedy Harbour habitat
Below I outline my relevant personal record that provides me with a unique perspective.
I have co-authored two books -- Coastal Fishes of the Pacific Northwest, 1976 and Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest, 2005 -- both published by Harbour Publishing. The second of these is now online and continues to be updated and added to.
My working career included two 9-year tours on duty at The Vancouver Aquarium, first as an local exhibits aquarist and chief collector and later as the School Program Coordinator for programs based upon local marine life. Between these two, I was employed for 22 years by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada as a Fish Culturist at the West Vancouver Laboratory.
In 1967, I completed my NAUI Certification for SCUBA diving and have been diving ever since. The vast majority of this diving (over 4,000 dives) has occurred in Salish Sea waters. Over this period, detailed documentation of marine life was and continues to be made which has resulted in a large database. This unique record has provided specific information for numerous scientific papers as well as many popular press articles. For 20 years, I taught a 10-week marine life identification course for local divers in North Vancouver.
I received a BSc in Zoology from the University of British Columbia in 1971. In 2019, I was named Naturalist of the Year (99th recipient) by the Western Society of Naturalists. An Honorary Doctorate of Education from the University of Victoria was bestowed upon me in 2019.
Finally, I (with my wife and partner Virginia) reside on a waterfront property at 120 Clam Bay Road. Here, I spend copious low tide time exploring the beach often with guests, friends and school children. Frequent SCUBA dives occur here as well. This habitat is very similar to that of Preedy Harbour.
Once again, I am opposed to the Abrupt Shellfish rezoning application in Preedy Harbour.
Best Regards,
Andy Lamb
Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 8:26AM 
