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Water Resources

As the demands on our water resources grows so does the need for increased water management, coastally and in watershed areas. The interrelationship of demands in aquatic areas can result in competition for diminishing resources and limited space, and increased negative environmental impacts.

Watershed Management

Watersheds provide nature's boundaries to create a mosaic of land patches connected by a network of streams. Human activities in watersheds can result in the fragmentation of habitat, the loss of ecosystem structure and function, and deterioration of water quality.

Due to the integrated nature of aquatic environments, many water quality and ecosystem problems are best solved by making resource planning and management guidelines at the watershed level. More Info

Coastal Management

It is predicted that by the year 2025 approximately 75% of the world's population will live within 60 km of the coast. This prediction suggests an increasing demand on the coastal zone for food, port and harbour facilities, industrial development, waste disposal, aquaculture, residential development, tourism and recreation, and conservation.

The concept of coastal zone management seeks to balance these demands within an integrated environmental, socio-cultural and institutional framework. More Info

Marine Parks & Tourism

Many of the same factors which attract tourists to coastal areas also make them sensitive to over-use and development. Marine parks and protected areas are therefore becoming an important tool in preserving these special environments.

With careful zoning, marine parks can serve both conservation and tourism functions while being environmentally, culturally and economically sustainable. More Info

Earthquake Mapping

Earthquakes have been an ever-present threat to the communities on Vancouver Island and the coastal mainland. AXYS, in conjunction with the Geological Surveys Branch and Monahan Petroleum Consulting, has produced a popular map series displaying areas susceptible to high hazards in the Greater Victoria area.

This map series displays different hazard ratings for the different forms of earthquake dangers, such as amplification, ground liquefaction and areas most likely susceptible to slope instability. More Info