Community-based fisheries stewardship - linking traditional knowledge and scientific understanding for climate resilient salmon ecosystems

 

My research is focused on integrating community-driven stewardship with scientific insight into populations and ecosystems to support adaptive management. Some of my current work examines the links between climate variability and the survival of sockeye salmon in the watersheds of coastal British Columbia. In particular, we hope to understand the impact of warm summer temperatures and low flows for the migration behavior and survival of adult sockeye. Despite being relatively unimpacted by logging and development, many low-elevation watersheds on the BC Coast routinely reach temperatures during the summer months that are known to cause pre-spawn mortality in migrating adult sockeye. Over the coming years, climate change is likely to lead to further warming, with potentially negative consequences for sockeye populations that support fisheries and ecosystems. 

Working with a diversity of collaborators including the Heiltsuk Nation, QQs Projects Society, the Hakai Institute, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans we are taking two main approaches to understanding sockeye populations. First, we’ve set up a life cycle monitoring program that is providing foundational insight into the abundance and survival of sockeye from smolt-to-adult. This information will support modeling of survival under future climate conditions. Second, we are taking a regional approach to understanding salmon in coastal British Columbia. Using population data collected since 1950 and information on lake productivity and area, we are developing models that use information on both habitat availability and quality, and spawner abundance over time to evaluate conservation status and help determine sustainable harvest levels. My thesis work will contribute to the development of a management and climate adaptation plan for the Heiltsuk Nation’s FSC sockeye fisheries. 

 

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