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A solo submarine also know as "Deepworker" is framed through the window of a three person submarine in the Juan Perez Sound along the B.C. coast June 16, 2009. A group of science and researchers are part of an expedition specifically designed to study deep water corals and document threats to their well being.John Lehmann/The Globe and Mail

A new report says B.C.'s approach to saving species at risk is not working, and it calls for changes in the province that has the greatest biodiversity of any in Canada.

The government task force says B.C. has so far focused on individual species, trying to prevent extinction of certain species or populations.

They say that approach - with its "unsupportable costs" - hasn't been very effective, and the number of at-risk species in B.C. continues to grow.

The task force makes 16 recommendations, including a revamped ecosystem-based approach, stronger legislation and consistent funding for conservation efforts.

But environmental groups say the task force recommendations are weak and fall far short of the measures needed to protect the 1,900 species now considered at risk in the West Coast province.

Gwen Barlee of the Wilderness Committee says B.C. needs a strong endangered species law to protect species at risk and the habitats they need to survive.

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