Issue # 11, March 2020
Inside this issue: Download the PDFS You can download a PDF of this issue and all the previous issues as well. More about Issue #10
Five things you should know about rockfish and marine protection
Since 2013, CCIRA has been using science and traditional knowledge to build the most extensive database for rockfish ever compiled for the Central Coast. This growing body of work is providing insights that can help improve the design of the Marine Protected Areas network…
MPA Network and Fisheries Reconciliation Agreement create hope for new opportunities
25 years from now things could look very different on the Central Coast. Ocean ecosystems could be healthier and fish populations more robust with a thriving food fishery for local people. These outcomes are some of the possible benefits from the implementation of the Government-to-Government-Government Northern Shelf Bioregion Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network process – …
CCIRA joins international research expedition
2019 was a bad year for salmon returns coast-wide in British Columbia, and an international team of scientists has been trying to figure out why. This March, the research team travelled back to the open Pacific for a second expedition to study the ocean survival of salmon, and this year CCIRA’s Field Technician, Tristan Blaine, …
Nuxalk Atnarko sockeye study an example of collaborative research done right
In response to the impacts on local people and ecosystems, a recovery plan was written in 2016 by the Nuxalk Nation in collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)…
Alejandro Frid publishes new book
As CCIRA’s Science Coordinator, Alejandro Frid has established an impressive record of publishing research papers in esteemed journals. Much of this research is aimed at enhancing marine conservation by integrating science with Indigenous knowledge. But on his own time, he has also published two books! His most recent book came out this fall. Changing Tides: …
New fishing closures proposed for crab
The two key findings from our published research papers are: (1) our catches have declined such that we cannot meet our FSC needs, and (2) fishing closures can help crab populations recover.
CCIRA hires new staff
Desiree Lawson, MaPP implementation coordinator Desiree is Haíɫzaqv and lives in her home territory in Bella Bella. She is passionate about supporting the Nations as they assert their inherent title and rights by practicing their ancestral laws. She understands the importance of indigenous stewardship; the need to respect all living beings and their right to …
Living ancestors’ dreams in Bella Bella with new Big House
In October of 2019 the Heiltsuk Nation officially opened the first new Big House in their territory in 120 years. As we move into the next decade, CCIRA is excited for the new beginnings the Big House signifies. Speaking to reporters at the time of the opening, Heiltsuk’s William Housty said, “there’s a sense of …
Guardians engage in oil spill response work
On September 17, 2019, the Kitasoo/Xai’xais Guardian Watchmen were on the water conducting oil-spill response fieldwork, when they heard a call for help over the VHF…
