Witty's Lagoon is one of the largest estuarine areas in the CRD. Estuaries are are characterized as semi-enclosed bodies of water where fresh water from rivers or streams mingles with the salt water of the ocean. The constant mixing of ocean and river nutrients creates an enormous amount of plant and animal life. This coastal habitat is incredibly important—although estuaries make up only 3% of the coastline in BC, they are used by approximately 80% of all wildlife species on the coast. Estuaries have been called the “nurseries of the sea” for their important role in providing sheltered habitat and food for juvenile fish such as salmon, sea-run Cutthroat Trout and herring. In these protected environments, young fish can quickly grow and gradually become accustomed to salt water. Visit Witty's Lagoon Regional Park and enjoy a sandy beach, trails, and bird watching.

 

Photo: Tod Carnahan