Somass Watershed
Somass Fish Flows Committee
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The Somass Fish Flows Committee (SFFC) is a multi-rightsholder and stakeholder committee that advises Domtar on the management of dam and weir operations in the Somass watershed to optimize flows for salmon migration while balancing other water needs of the local community. In 2023, the committee was reactivated and a new Terms of Reference was developed. Since then, bi-weekly meetings have been held before and during the summer drought season, delivering consensus-based recommendations that are required for the active management of water flow levels.
The SFFC is currently seeking sustainable funding opportunities to support long term flow management in the Somass watershed.
The members of this committee are:
Hupacasath First Nation
Tseshaht First Nation
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
BC Ministry of Water, Lands, and Resource Stewardship
Domtar
Robertson Creek Hatchery (DFO)
Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
BC Hydro
Local knowledge holders
Facilitation and communications is provided by West Coast Aquatic.
Somass Estuary Action Plan Working Group
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The Somass Estuary Action Plan Working Group members support a future for the estuary that includes water-dependent industry, urban development, and agriculture, while taking active steps to conserve the remaining natural extent of the estuary and improve fish and marine nearshore habitat in impacted areas in order to restore the estuary’s significant ecological contribution to the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Following a 2023 Somass Estuary Symposium that shared knowledge and identified desired future states, the Working Group co-developed the 2025 Somass Estuary Action Plan. This Action Plan is preceded by the 2003 Somass Estuary Management Plan and the 2012 Somass Basin Watershed Plan. Though distinct, the Action Plan builds upon the two preceding documents by capturing present conditions and opportunities, while recognizing progress, learnings, and relationships developed over the past 20 years.
Participants include:
Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
Alberni Valley Enhancement Association
City of Port Alberni
Coleman Meadows Farms
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
Hupacasath First Nation
Mosaic Forest Management
Port Alberni Port Authority
Tseshaht First Nation
The Working Group, Symposium, and co-development of the Action Plan were facilitated by West Coast Aquatic.