Tatalu River
The Tatalu (SENĆOŦEN), or Little Campbell River, is a productive, multi-jurisdictional, transboundary watercourse located in the heart of the Salish Sea (or Georgia Basin-Puget Sound Ecoregion). This river meanders west from its headwaters in Langley, through South Surrey and into White Rock where it enters Semiahmoo Bay. The Tatalu watershed serves as the study area for A Rocha Canada’s conservation science program, defining the geographic scope of the surveys, research, and habitat restoration projects.
The Tatalu watershed is home to a diversity of wildlife and plant species, including five species of Pacific salmon and trout, as well as over 30 species at risk. The river and its associated habitat are characterized by unchannelized streams, an undyked floodplain, an undeveloped estuary, and several large wetlands. Along with other watersheds located in the Salish Sea, the Tatalu and its surrounding natural habitat are faced with increasing anthropogenic impacts and threats, including poor water quality, seasonally low water levels, and loss of wetland and forest habitat due to pressures from urbanization and agricultural land development.
The goals of A Rocha Canada’s conservation science program are the following:
- Thriving ecosystems and communities
– Protect and enhance biodiversity
- Transformational learning
– Mentor and equip interns and volunteers - Conservation leadership
– Engage decision makers with science that inspires action
Caring for a unique and vulnerable river.
The latest news on our projects
Summer 2018 Conservation
Updates from West to East… South Surrey The Brooksdale Centre team is hard at work on species surveys and conservation projects: Barn Owls. Working with a biologist who has been studying Barn Owls throughout the [...]
I am Like a Pelican of the Wilderness
By Fred Bunnel The island is about the size of a football field. The last time I was there (decades ago), there were nine living trees on it (white spruce and lodgepole pine) [...]
Winter Wandering, Wondering
By Fred Bunnell Barefoot on ice The fool ducks were standing on the ice in their bare feet. I’ve done that, coming out of a sauna. I don’t recommend it. Walking through [...]