Water Quality: The fish population and habitat in Squalicum Creek has declined due to bacterial contamination, excessive channel erosion and siltation, visible oil and scum, and turbidity during storms.

Fish and other Species: Squalicum Creek provides habitat for coho, Chinook, chum, steelhead, and cutthroat.

Pollution Sources: Sources of pollution in Squalicum Creek include urban runoff, industrial runoff (including metals, oils, and coolants), septic systems, and the Squalicum Harbor Marina.

Major Watershed Issues: The Squalicum Creek watershed lies partially within the City of Bellingham and extends into the unincorporated area of Whatcom County.  As it makes its way towards Bellingham Bay, Squalicum Creek receives runoff from many areas including the parking lots at Bellis Fair Mall, Meridian Shopping Center, and the Albertsons Shopping Center.  City and county drainage requirements do not address water quality issues and as the city grows in a northerly direction, commercial and industrial development pose a genuine threat to the health and habitat of Squalicum Creek.

Watershed Facts:

• The largest tributary of Squalicum Creek is Baker Creek.
• At least 62 different species inhabit Squalicum Creek Watershed including 36 types of birds, 6 fish, 3 amphibian, and 2 reptile species.

Schools within the Watershed: The schools within the watershed include Bellingham Christian, Columbia Elementary, Parkview Elementary, Squalicum High, and St. Paul's Primary.

Squalicum Creek is part of NSEA's Stream Stewards program.