Fisheries The Fraser River has the largest salmon run in the world. Each year, over a billion fish migrate upstream to spawn. After hatching, the young salmon that survive the journey downstream spend time in the Fraser River estuary. Here, where saltwater meets fresh, the salmon rest and adjust their metabolism before heading for the Pacific Ocean. Burrard Inlet and Georgia Strait support a variety of shellfish and fish species, all of which are sensitive to pollution.
Clean water is critical to sustaining aquatic and marine life.
This is important to the fishing industry, sport fishing enthusiasts and future generations. Habitat for Wildlife Our rivers and ocean waters teem with life that depends on shoreline, beaches and marshes. They are critical habitats for hundreds of species of fish and other aquatic and marine life. Migratory water birds use the areas for resting and feeding. Recreation and Quality of Life Water is one of the Lower Mainland's great attractions.