Located on Sea Island in the Fraser River Estuary, the airport is surrounded by a highly valued ecosystem. In recognition of its ecologically sensitive location, the Airport Authority has implemented a comprehensive environmental management system to minimize the impact of airport operations and development of the surrounding natural environment and community.

Sea Island and its immediate surroundings include:

Sea Island Conservation Area:

Canadian Wildlife Service manages 140 hectares of wildlife habitat on the northern part of Sea Island. The objective of the area is to maintain habitat and populations of wildlife that do not contribute significantly to aviation hazards at the airport.

McDonald Beach Park:

An access point for Sea Island Conservation area, this park also contains a boat launch, docking facilities, walking path and picnic area. The park is located on the northern part of Sea Island, and is operated by the City of Richmond.

Sturgeon Bank Wildlife Management Area:

Sturgeon Bank contains approximately 4,397 hectares of intertidal and 744 hectares of nearshore subtidal lands. This area, managed by the province, is located to the west of Sea Island.

Iona Beach Regional Park:

Operated by Greater Vancouver Regional District, this park contains wildlife interpretative signage, picnic areas, a wildlife conservation area and a designated walking trail on a jetty that extends approximately 1.5 kilometres into Sturgeon Bank.

Swishwash Island:

This island in the Middle Arm of the Fraser River is owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

Wildlife Management

The airport and Sea Island are located in a major staging area on the Pacific Flyway. Birds present both an environmental and a safety challenge for the airport. While the Airport Authority is committed to preserving its natural environment, preventing bird strikes by aircraft is also a top priority.

The Airport Authority's wildlife management program is comprehensive. A minimum of two wildlife officers patrol the 1,300 hectare grounds 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Biologists study the behaviours of the various types of birds and keep records on migration, feeding and roosting patterns. With this information, wildlife officers work to discourage and control these behaviours using a variety of techniques, including habitat management.