Latest news with #dredging
CBC
28-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Planning to dredge the Burrard Inlet to maximize oil shipments is underway
An ocean pollution researcher and at least one First Nation are raising concerns about the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority's (VFPA) plan to dredge the Burrard Inlet. Dredging is when the bed of a body of water is dug out to make way for ships or for construction or cleaning purposes. Ocean researcher Juan José Alava told CBC's On The Coast that periodic dredging is common for navigation maintenance in the Inlet. However, he says he was surprised to hear that the port is planning to dredge for the purpose of maximizing oil tanker capacity. The VFPA plan is to maximize oil shipments from the port. Currently, Aframax tankers, a specific size of oil tanker, with a deadweight ranging from 80,000 to 120,000 metric tonnes, can carry loads up to 80 per cent, with the goal of increasing capacity to 100 per cent. However, doing so carries the risk of hitting the sea bottom. According to Alava, another risk is environmental harm. Alava is the principal investigator for the Ocean Pollution Research Unit at the University of British Columbia, and says that this development is deeply concerning because of the potential effect on water quality, aquatic life, and First Nations culture in the area that is dependent on the Inlet and the Second Narrows channel. "At what environmental cost, for a single tanker, do you want to dredge the Burrard Inlet? What about the First Nation communities that are living there?" He says that as a scientist who studies marine toxicology, the risk of dredging to increase oil tanker capacity can have a drastic impact on the environment if there is an oil spill, citing lessons learned from the Exxon Valdez southern Alaska spill 36 years ago. Alava says that you can still find oil remnants in B.C. from that spill today, so environmental impact assessments and Indigenous consultation are necessary. Tsleil-Waututh Nation's Chief, Jen Thomas, said in a written statement on May 8, that no formal engagement has happened about dredging the Burrard Inlet that runs past the nation. Thomas says that the nation firmly opposed the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, adding that the Government of Canada built it despite the nation's informed decision not to consent to the project. "Tsleil-Waututh has a sacred, legal obligation to protect, defend and steward our Inlet. We hold inherent and Constitutionally-protected Indigenous title and rights to this area." Under UNDRIP, the B.C. government has a duty to obtain free, prior and informed consent from First Nations when pursuing projects in their territories. Thomas says that the nation will have more to say about the matter once it reviews the proposal and says that it looks forward to meeting with agencies in the future about any projects that may affect Tsleil-Waututh Nation rights and title. Despite concerns from environmentalists and First Nations, B.C. Energy and Climate Solutions Minister Adrian Dix is supportive of the project, pending it meeting environmental assessment and consultation requirements with First Nations. In a report from the Canadian Press released on May 11, Dix says that the province spoke with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation before expressing views about the project to the federal government. The plan, floated by Prime Minister Mark Carney in early May, comes at a time when Canada is looking to diversify energy exports away from the United States. Dix stressed that the dredging would be a federal project, not provincial and that the project "would allow for less traffic at the port and better utilization" because ships could fully load. The dredging project's preliminary stages of environmental assessment and First Nation consultation began on May 20.
ABC News
22-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
First Nations group raises concerns about shipping channel project, Port of Brisbane denies wrongdoing
The Port of Brisbane has been accused of breaching its obligations under federal guidelines by failing to engage with a local Aboriginal group over its plan to dredge Moreton Bay. The port has denied any wrongdoing, saying it did engage with First Nations groups, but was not required to undertake formal consultation at this early stage. The Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders in Council (MMEIC) represent members of the Quandamooka people of North Stradbroke and Moreton Island. The group has raised significant concerns about a proposal by the Port of Brisbane to dredge 96.5 million cubic metres of material out of Moreton Bay to create a wider and deeper freight passage for ships. The bay is crucial to the physical and spiritual wellbeing of the Quandamooka people, as it has been for millennia, and MMEIC is worried the churning of the seabed and dumping of waste material has the potential to harm fragile ecosystems and cultural sites. "Development proposals for the bay must be transparent and give Quandamooka, and all traditional owner groups that rely on the bay, enough time to have our concerns heard and understood. "This didn't happen with this proposal." Port of Brisbane's Channel Enhancement Project is a 25-year plan to widen and deepen the existing navigational channels leading into the port. The company said the $3.5 billion project is crucial to ensuring the country's third largest container port can cater for future shipping needs, which is likely to include much larger vessels. If approved, the work will involve using a Trail Hopper Suction Dredge to "vacuum up" sea floor material to be deposited in what are known as dredge material placement areas (DMPA). There are currently no DMPA large enough to support the millions of cubic metres of material involved in this project, and so the company expects it will need to create a new site in the bay. MMEIC spokesperson Pereki Ruska said the Quandamooka people are worried about the health of local fisheries, the seagrass beds relied upon by animals such as the dugong, and important cultural sites. "The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act) acknowledges that First Nations groups have a right to be fully engaged in those processes, projects and activities that may impact the bay. "Especially things like the proposed expansion project." Given the potential for environmental damage, and the proximity to protected areas within Moreton Bay, the Port of Brisbane referred the proposal to the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) for assessment under the EPBC Act in August 2024. As part of the referral process, proponents are required to consult with impacted First Nations groups. In its referral documents, the Port of Brisbane told DCCEEW it had "already undertaken significant stakeholder consultation on this project … including with relevant Indigenous stakeholders and government departments". "Feedback from this initial engagement has provided overall broad recognition and acceptance of the project rationale and assessment processes to be undertaken," it said at the time. MMEIC said it was not approached by the Port of Brisbane before this document was lodged, and did not speak with officials until months afterwards. The Port of Brisbane said its consultation with Indigenous people came through discussions with another Aboriginal group that represents Quandamooka people, the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabbee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC). "[Port of Brisbane] met with QYAC, the prescribed body corporate under the Native Title Act, who are responsible under that legislation for managing the native title rights and interests of the Quandamooka People following the determination of 4th July, 2011," a spokesperson said. "QYAC is also the cultural heritage body for the Quandamooka Estate in accordance with the State Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003." However, MMEIC and QYAC are just two of several Aboriginal groups in the region. "[QYAC] are not and have not always been representative of all Quandamooka people, and not all Quandamooka families signed off on the authorisation of the Quandamooka claim," Ms Ruska said. In 2022, following the destruction of the 46,000-year-old Juukan Gorge caves by mining giant Rio Tinto, the federal government acknowledged the need for more comprehensive and widespread consultation with Indigenous groups impacted by development or mining. Dr Cohen Hird, a Trawlwoolway man who studies Indigenous rights and respectful engagement with First Nations communities, said the DCCEEW was working on developing a First Nations Engagement Standard. In the meantime, it has released interim standards under the EPBC Act. "The Australian standards say First Nations people should be engaged early and often, from the work put together after the Juukan Gorge incident," Dr Hird said. "All of those people [who are impacted] are considered rights holders, not necessarily just the prescribed body corporate, so it's important to consult widely. "The proponent must initiate that engagement." MMEIC said Port of Brisbane only engaged with them after its elders approached them. It believes the failure to consult with them before lodging their referral to DCCEEW, under the EPBC Act, constitutes grounds for Port of Brisbane to have to re-submit that application. However, Dr Hird said until legally enforceable standards are introduced, the interim guidelines remain largely "aspirational, not enforceable". "I think the interim guidance in the EPBC Act is a step in the right direction, but only if it's followed in practice," he said. In September, both the state and federal government accepted Port of Brisbane's referral and determined the project a "controlled action". The Port of Brisbane said it would now begin the creation of an environmental impact statement. "The port will also need to make a notification to seek formal endorsement of Aboriginal parties for the Channel Enhancement Project to prepare a Cultural Heritage Management Plan," the port said. "Since late last year … Port of Brisbane has met with MMEIC representatives in-person and online and has made offers for project briefings in writing at least six times. MMEIC said the determination of a "controlled action" by the DCCEEW — which means the project's environmental impact statement will be assessed at both a state and federal level — was a significant step, and it should have had the opportunity to speak before it was made. "They're already a number of steps ahead of where we would like them," Ms Ruska said. "And quite frankly, where they should be, had they had followed processes."
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Expert honoured to work on Attenborough film
A university researcher has said it was a "huge honour" after he helped create the latest Sir David Attenborough documentary. Dr Bryce Stewart, an associate professor at the university, worked with broadcasters on the film Ocean. Dr Stewart's guidance was required when the crew showcased a carefully controlled study as part of the film to better understand the effects of dredging - a method of fishing which sees boats tow a heavy metal frame with a bag or net - on marine life. He said: "It was a huge honour to work on the film Ocean with David Attenborough, and I had the privilege of helping film some of the scenes and advising on the script." More news stories for Devon Listen to the latest news for Devon He said: "The film is stunningly beautiful while being highly confronting at times. "However, it ends with a message of hope – that is, if you properly protect marine ecosystems and manage human activities sustainably, then the ocean can bounce back at an astonishing rate. "Achieving that balance and recovery is the focus of my research at Plymouth." As part of his involvement, Dr Stewart and colleagues at the Marine Biological Association worked closely with the production team to highlight environmental challenges and the importance of conservation work. Ocean was originally released in cinemas worldwide, and will be available for streaming globally on National Geographic on 7 June and Disney+ from 8 June, in celebration of World Ocean Day. Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ University announces potential loss of 200 jobs Never too late to study, says 72-year-old student University gets electric boat in net-zero push University of Plymouth Ocean - Silverback Films
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Expert honoured to work on Attenborough film
A university researcher has said it was a "huge honour" after he helped create the latest Sir David Attenborough documentary. Dr Bryce Stewart, an associate professor at the university, worked with broadcasters on the film Ocean. Dr Stewart's guidance was required when the crew showcased a carefully controlled study as part of the film to better understand the effects of dredging - a method of fishing which sees boats tow a heavy metal frame with a bag or net - on marine life. He said: "It was a huge honour to work on the film Ocean with David Attenborough, and I had the privilege of helping film some of the scenes and advising on the script." More news stories for Devon Listen to the latest news for Devon He said: "The film is stunningly beautiful while being highly confronting at times. "However, it ends with a message of hope – that is, if you properly protect marine ecosystems and manage human activities sustainably, then the ocean can bounce back at an astonishing rate. "Achieving that balance and recovery is the focus of my research at Plymouth." As part of his involvement, Dr Stewart and colleagues at the Marine Biological Association worked closely with the production team to highlight environmental challenges and the importance of conservation work. Ocean was originally released in cinemas worldwide, and will be available for streaming globally on National Geographic on 7 June and Disney+ from 8 June, in celebration of World Ocean Day. Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ University announces potential loss of 200 jobs Never too late to study, says 72-year-old student University gets electric boat in net-zero push University of Plymouth Ocean - Silverback Films
BBC News
18-05-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Plymouth expert honoured to work on Sir David Attenborough film
A university researcher has said it was a "huge honour" after he helped create the latest Sir David Attenborough documentary. Dr Bryce Stewart, an associate professor at the university, worked with broadcasters on the film Stewart's guidance was required when the crew showcased a carefully controlled study as part of the film to better understand the effects of dredging - a method of fishing which sees boats tow a heavy metal frame with a bag or net - on marine said: "It was a huge honour to work on the film Ocean with David Attenborough, and I had the privilege of helping film some of the scenes and advising on the script." He said: "The film is stunningly beautiful while being highly confronting at times. "However, it ends with a message of hope – that is, if you properly protect marine ecosystems and manage human activities sustainably, then the ocean can bounce back at an astonishing rate. "Achieving that balance and recovery is the focus of my research at Plymouth." As part of his involvement, Dr Stewart and colleagues at the Marine Biological Association worked closely with the production team to highlight environmental challenges and the importance of conservation was originally released in cinemas worldwide, and will be available for streaming globally on National Geographic on 7 June and Disney+ from 8 June, in celebration of World Ocean Day.
