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
–Â Engage decision makers with science that inspires action
Caring for a unique and vulnerable river.
The latest news on our projects
Amassing Frog Data
It’s that time of year again! The A Rocha Canada Conservation Science Team has begun our annual amphibian egg mass surveys once more in the Little Campbell River watershed. Our focal species is the Northern [...]
A tiger in your backyard?
When we think of endangered animals, among the first things to come to mind may be creatures like rhinoceroses, tigers, or condors. Large animals, lots of press, and pressing concerns. There are an estimated 799 [...]
Beyond the Fieldwork
A Reflection by Conservation Intern - Christel Dalhuisen I am from The Netherlands, a land mostly existing of water. A land created by dyking and poldering. Seafarers are our ancestors. It is said that everyone [...]





