Coastal sand ecosystems (CSEs) such as spits and dunes are one of the rarest and most threatened ecosystem types in Canada. They contain a high concentration of species and ecological communities at risk including Sand-verbena Moth which is found at only at eight sites in the world, and Pink Sand-verbena, which has only been seen twice on the west coast of Vancouver Island in the last 60 years. More rare species are likely to be found as further surveys are completed. The purpose of this website is to provide a foundation for ecosystem-based recovery planning to conserve species and ecological communities in coastal sand ecosystems. It provides information on ecological patterns and processes, species and ecological communities, and threats to improve the collective knowledge about these ecosystems, and to assist with recovery planning.

The Coastal Sand Ecosystems Recovery Team (CSERT) is a new partnership to coordinate the implementation of conservation actions to maintain and restore species and ecosystems at risk in coastal sand ecosystems in BC. CSERT is jointly chaired by Parks Canada and BC Ministry of Environment, but draws on expertise from universities, consultants, and stewardship groups.