Marine Trails Code of Conduct
Online Classroom
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.
COURSE INTRO
CAMPFIRES
WASTE MANAGEMENT
FIRST NATIONS VISITATION
WILDLIFE & ATTRACTANTS
COASTAL CARETAKERS
COURSE INTRO
Introduction to the course
Quick summary
Full length 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
Campfires
- Learning objectives and introduction
- Why is good campfire behaviour necessary?
- Campfire impacts
- Best practices
- Adhere to fire bans – Check Wildfire BC
- Fire location: below the daily high tide line only
- Fuel selection: driftwood
- Discourage fire rings
- Grand Fire Master responsibility
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Human waste management
- Learning objectives and introduction
- Best practices
- Cat holes (inland camping, not recommended for coastal sites)
- Toilets
- Lowest intertidal flush
- Pack out
- Boombox
- Pack out bags
FIRST NATIONS VISITATION
First Nation Territory visitation
- Learning objectives and introduction
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
- Article 32: respecting each First Nation territory’s decisions
- Cultural features and their considerations
- Middens and recreational considerations
- Clam gardens and recreational considerations
- Intangible cultural features
- BC Marine Trails – Map and First Nations Info Box shows openings, closures, fees
WILDLIFE & ATTRACTANTS
Wildlife & attractants
- Learning objectives and introduction
- Marine mammal viewing regulations/ Whale Wise Guidelines
- Seals
- Sea Lions
- Humpback Whales
- Killer Whales
- Terrestrial animals/ WildSafeBC
- “Bare” camping, bears, wolves, cougars, vermin
- Managing wildlife attractants
- Food storage
- Grey water
COASTAL CARETAKERS
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).