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The frontal zone between fresh and marine waters is especially rich and diverse biologically. Lucy Island home to largest breeding bird colony in the area is well situated to exploit this frontal zone

In 1980 the kelp forest were inventoried for possible “clear cutting”

(they are still trying too)

These protected waters offer good winter bird habitat too with Big Bay ‘s extensive wetlands being globally important for migrations

Salmon?? The Skeena river smolt utilize Chatham as do the returning adults – but there are significant salmon streams on Porcher Dundas and Work Channel too

See below for Mining and fjords too

Salmon streams ‘depressed’

It is to be expected that these smaller systems would be clobbered as fishers seek the lucrative Skeena River runs in Chatham. (see Fish Wizard for info)

On Dundas the Brundige (915-823500-51800) has seen up to 13.5 T pinks and Sandy Bay 915-823500-63400 to 20,000 --- note how rich the Islands north end is  

In the Work Channel there are still several once productive systems ---

Work Channel --- fjord threatened by logging and fish farms

This low run off fjord is a prime location for fish farms on north Coast – bad idea? Historically there have been severe plankton blooms – perhaps caused by the sill at entrance – which presumably impedes deeper water circulation.

This area has also been hit by logging along streams

Ensheshese River 910-863100

The older logging (see image left) looks like progressive clear-cuts up the river valley – I am told the system has recovered well and supported 20T pinks in 2000 --- but the coho, and Chinooks are not doing as well (more sensitive to habitat alteration)

Images are from Map place and excellent site – best used in conjunction with Fish Wizard. Quottoon Inlet and the Toon River 910-855600 offer similar old logging and still untouched watersheds

Ho hum – but some surprises

There are two areas that show real potential—with old claims and mines – Dundas and Porcher

Fossils

The Dundas area has a complex geology along east side which needs larger scale to see – Randall Island has amminoid fossils along beach that identify this at Alexander Terrane ( a recent paper has been published on it). The limestones possibly are rich biologically as more nutrients available

Old Mine

Edye Pass (& nearby Surf Point) mine were producing form 1919 to 1939 – yielding gold, silver and copper – see the MIN file and info mine