aSSeSSing SalMon FooD
aVailaBiliTy
OrganizatiOn: Sea watCh
SOCiety. eStabliShed: 2007
Their Work: Biologist Ramona de Graaf and her
army of volunteers spend long hours combing the
beach, identifying the areas where forage fi sh lay
eggs, thereby increasing understanding of fi sh
like surf smelt, which are key food sources for
Chinook and Coho salmon.
Their Impact: "We've shined the light on some
issues with regard to surf smelt spawning stocks
due to the communities helping me out gathering
the data," says de Graaf. "We don't know how
many surf smelt and Pacifi c sand lance spawning
beaches there are. We're slowly working toward
[fi nding] that answer."
BaSiC SCienCe: eSTuary ManageMenT PlanS
OrganizatiOn: bC COnServatiOn FOundatiOn
eStabliShed: 1969
Their Work: Since 1998, biologist Craig Wightman and team, with support from
the B.C. Living Rivers Trust Fund, have been focusing their eff orts on Vancouver
Island rivers and estuaries, taking stock of the factors (from industrial development
to overabundant geese) that compromise these habitats. Estuaries are like salmon
nurseries providing vital protection and nourishment for young and rapidly growing
ocean-bound salmon.
Their impact: "It takes a long time to have a big impact," says Wightman. "We
continue to try to be an example on how you do the foundational science work fi rst.
You come up with a plan and [then] work with senior government regulators and key
partners to implement it."
10 2014 psf.ca salmon Steward magazine 11
PHOTO:
JUSTIN
SHAFTO
Ramona and volunteers sieve sediment in search
of embryos.
A group of Coho salmon fry in woody debris in the Englishman River on
Vancouver Island.
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