Marine Trails Code of Conduct
Marine Trails Code of Conduct Modules
Each tenet of The Code is covered in the lessons below — each with a set of questions designed to help you fully grasp the content. These self-marking units include answers for immediate feedback.
The Code can be integrated into your business practices, daily paddling routines, or educational programs at the college or high school level.
Our stewardship coordinator, Sam, would love to introduce you to the e-module and program. Use our Helpdesk to get in touch. We work with businesses, colleges, and other organizations to introduce and help implement The Code.
Why not just follow Leave No Trace principles?
The Code is tailored specifically for marine environments — unlike ‘Leave No Trace‘ — and places a strong emphasis on respecting First Nations cultural and archaeological sites.
Introduction to the course
Quick summary
Full length summary
Lesson summary
- Who is BC Marine Trails? What are the Three Pillars?
- Why we set out to build a Code of Conduct (CoC)
- Why is it important to uphold the CoC?
- Short Form and Long Form of CoC
Campfires
Lesson video
Lesson overview
This lesson emphasizes that while campfires are a traditional part of outdoor recreation, they can cause significant damage, including the destruction of vegetation, soil degradation, and harm to cultural sites. Best practices include adhering to fire bans, only having fires in the intertidal zone to minimize ecological impact, using small pieces of driftwood instead of foraging upland wood, and dismantling existing fire rings to discourage irresponsible fires. By following these guidelines, paddlers and campers can reduce their footprint and preserve coastal environments for future visitors.
Human waste management
When visiting a BC or National Park, defer to park specific best practices.
Lesson video
Lesson summary
This lesson covers three approved waste disposal methods: using existing toilets, utilizing the intertidal flush in areas with sufficient tidal movement, and packing out waste when other options are unsuitable. The lesson emphasizes the environmental impact of improper disposal, and why cat holes are not recommended in marine environments. By following these best practices, backcountry users can help reduce their impacts coastal ecosystems.
When visiting a BC or National Park, defer to park specific best practices.
First Nation Territory visitation
Lesson video
Lesson summary
Unit 4 of the BC Marine Trails Online Classroom focuses on respectful visitation of First Nations Territories, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous Rights & Title, cultural sensitivity, and responsible recreation. It explains tangible cultural features such as middens and clam gardens, stressing the need to avoid disturbing these sites through improper campfires, waste disposal, or artifact collection. The unit also covers intangible cultural features, which may not have visible markers but hold deep spiritual and cultural significance. By following BC Marine Trails’ Code of Conduct and utilizing resources like the BCMT map, recreationists can ensure they respect First Nations’ visitation guidelines, closures, and stewardship initiatives.
Wildlife & attractants
Wildlife video
Grey water video
Lesson summary
This lesson focuses on responsible wildlife viewing and attractant management to minimize human-wildlife conflicts. Here, find regulated distances for viewing marine mammals and terrestrial wildlife, emphasizing the importance of maintaining space to avoid disturbing animals. It promotes “bare” camping practices, including proper food storage, waste management, and securing all scented items to prevent attracting wildlife. The unit also covers best practices for handling grey water, ensuring minimal environmental impact by disposing of food particles and biodegradable soap properly. By following these guidelines, recreationists can enjoy wildlife encounters safely while preserving the natural behaviours and habitats of coastal species.
Coastal Caretakers
Taking all you have learned from the Marine Trails Code of Conduct — consider putting it into practice by becoming a Coastal Caretaker.
Coastal Caretakers are marine recreationists who strive to participate in and contribute to this vision. We think of Coastal Caretakers as individuals and groups who give VOICE to the coastal sites they choose to explore by:
- Visiting sites: Visit your favourite local site(s) often or plan an adventure to visit a portion of BC Marine Trails’ more remote sites. BC Marine Trails has a map and trip planning tools to assist you.
- Observing changes and impacts: As you walk around your site, observe and take notes about signs of human impact that may detract from the natural state of the site (marine debris, fire rings, temporary structures, human waste). Remember to look up for any natural hazards like broken, but still hanging branches or angled trees that might come down with the next windstorm. Also look down to appreciate evidence of special plants, flowers, shells, and/or animal tracks. Check the condition of any site-user structures like picnic tables, tent platforms, outhouses or shelters.
- Interacting with other visitors: As a Coastal Caretaker, you represent BC Marine Trails and your actions model our Code of Conduct. Talk with other site visitors and share information about the efforts you are making to reduce human impact and protect the natural state of the site. Remember, we are volunteers. We can model and talk about respectful recreation and low-impact practices but we are not enforcement officers.
- Caretaking to keep the site natural: Here are a few caretaking actions that help keep the site welcoming and natural for future visitors: Dismantle fire rings, scatter the ashes and spread out the rocks; Dismantle driftwood structures to discourage future site alteration; If safe to do so, use hand tools to define public use areas and trails by removing branches, small fallen trees or brush. Do not dig or alter the soil, as you may disturb cultural and natural features; Collect marine debris and store it above the high tide line or if you have space, take it with you. If you are unsure if the debris is safe, leave it. For larger debris, take photos, and report to BC Marine Trails.
- Exchanging data: Your visits to BC Marine Trails sites are an important link in how we connect, protect, and preserve the coastline for public recreation both now and in the future. The information that you share with us is key to keeping our map and site information current. Please be sure to complete the BCMT Site Condition Report (SCR).