(Image Credit: Columbia Shuswap Regional District)
Shuswap Ecosystem Study

Shuswap Watershed Council receives grant for ecosystem change study

Sep 18, 2026 | 11:21 AM

SALMON ARM, B.C. — The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) and Fraser Basin Council (FBC) will use a $140,000 grant to better understand ecosystem changes in Shuswap Lake.

The funding, from the Canada Water Agency through the Fraser River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative (FRFEI), will be used to address phosphorus pollution and algal blooms in the Shuswap watershed.

“Watershed stewardship is long-term work. Understanding environmental change takes time, and so does building the relationships and trust needed to bring different governments, communities and knowledge holders together around shared priorities,” said Zita Botelho, chief executive officer of the Fraser Basin Council.

“That’s why sustained investment in local watershed organizations matters so much.”

The SWC said the work will involve compiling information into a cohesive study meant to give a deeper understanding of freshwater watershed health.

“This project will synthesize long-term environmental data and advance scientific understanding of ecosystem changes in Shuswap Lake and will advance reconciliation through the participation of First Nations in this collaborative work,” said the SWC.

“This initiative strongly aligns with the FRFEI’s priorities focused on assessing risks to cumulatively impacted freshwater systems and fostering meaningful collaborative efforts.”

The SWC said it will lead work on the project, with institutional support from the FBC and in-kind contributions from the BC Ministry of Environment and Parks and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, including expertise and data sharing.

“This funding will allow the SWC to continue our work to monitor, research and protect the Shuswap watershed. The freshwater science project will build upon previous years of monitoring and assessment, and help us understand the many factors impacting the Shuswap watershed including nutrient inputs and climate change,” said Rhona Martin, Chair of the Shuswap Watershed Council.

“We sincerely thank the Canada Water Agency for their support.”

This is one of three initiatives set to receive a share of $480,000 in grants from the Canada Water Agency.