Coho Society’s Tent Talks
We have invited partners and members of our community who are interested in enviroment preservation to share some thoughts via Tent Talks. This helps bring awareness to local issues and offers ways we can get involved to be responsible stewards to our environment.
“Repairing the Seymour River for spawning salmon after the devastating rockslide in December 2014.” Watch the Tent Talk
Shaun Hollingsworth of the Seymour Salmonid Society with an update 5 years after the Seymour River rockslide. Crews have been successfully breaking down boulders to make a path for spawning salmon.
“Sustainable Initiatives in our local Tug, Barge and Ferry operations” Watch the Tent Talk
The talk will highlight Seaspan’s sustainable operations of our fleet, now and into the future. Topics include the clean operating hybrid electric/LNG Ferries, safe and efficient movement of goods, use of environmentally friendly products on board and vessel underwater noise reduction efforts. Presented by Darryl Lawes, Environmental Manager, Seaspan.
“Killer Whales in Crisis: Threats Facing the Recovery of BC’s Most Iconic Animals” Watch The Tent Talk
British Columbia is home to two salmon-eating populations of killer whales (orcas) known as “northern residents” and “southern residents”. These populations are listed as threatened and endangered, respectively. The southern resident killer whales are the most critically imperiled of the two; currently, only 74 southern resident killer whales remain. Resident killer whales face a multitude of threats, including reduce prey availability, vessel strike and disturbance, and exposure to marine contaminants. Come learn more about the threats facing these iconic animals, the research that is being conducted, and the ways in which you can get involved in their conservation. Presented by: Jessica Scott, BC Cetacean Sighting Network Manager and Applied Research Biologist, Ocean Wise Conservation Association.
“Microplastics & Marine Life” Watch the Tent Talk
Plastic in our oceans is increasing at an exponential rate. So much so, it is estimated that at our continued rate of consumption, plastic in the oceans could outweigh fish by the year 2050. Plastic does not biodegrade; it simply breaks apart into smaller and smaller pieces—called microplastics. Microplastics are mistakenly eaten by many different animals, which may have impacts to the future health of marine food webs. This talk will focus on the current research on this marine pollutant and the potential effects it has to marine life including salmon. Presented by Rhiannon Moore, Researcher, Ocean Wise Plastics Lab.
“Salish Sea Marine Survival Project” Watch the Tent Talk
In 2013, the Pacific Salmon Foundation launched a landmark effort to help restore Chinook, Coho and Steelhead populations in the Strait of Georgia and Salish Sea. The Salish Sea Marine Survival Project (SSMSP) is a $20+ million transboundary effort carried out over five years in partnership with Seattle-based non-profit Long Live the Kings. Learn about some of the key results of this research, information on the novel methodologies utilized, and our proposed actions and next steps. Presented by Dr. Isobel Pearsall, project co-ordinator for the Salish Sea Marine Survival Project.
“What we have learned from the Coho story” Watch the Tent Talk
Coho were so abundant in the Strait of Georgia in the 1970s that there was no need for management. By the early 1990s the recreational fishery had collapsed. It took about 20 years, but Coho fishing now gets better every year. The explanation for what happened is that we did not understand the mechanisms regulating Coho abundance and it is this understanding that is now essential for Chinook salmon. Also learn about some preliminary findings from a recent expedition I led with scientists from around the Pacific Rim to the Gulf of Alaska as part of salmon conservation activities related to the ‘International Year of the Salmon’. Presented by: Dr. Richard Beamish, Dr. Richard Beamish, C.M., O.B.C, Ph.D., D.Sc., F.R.S.C. , Emeritus Scientist at the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo, B.C.
“Fraser River Rockslide Update- Will Salmon Ever Recover?” Watch the Tent Talk
In response to a significant landslide discovered in a narrow portion of the Fraser River near Big Bar, just north of Lillooet, B.C.,individuals from the Government of British Columbia, the Government of Canada, and First Nations have been working collaboratively to transport as many salmon upstream as possible and to re-establish natural passage. The situation is complex because the landslide occurred in a remote section of the Fraser River, with steep canyon walls and turbulent, swift-moving water. The site is also not accessible by existing public roads. Ongoing efforts to pass as many fish upstream as possible include capture and transport by helicopter and rock manipulation to re-establish natural fish passage. Presented by: Lee McCabe, Project Engineer, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Fraser River (Big Bar) Rockslide 2020 update: Watch the Tent Talk
“North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant – Get an update on the upgrade plans” Watch the Tent Talk
A progress report on the efforts and results of the passionate work by NSSK Society and Seymour Salmon Society members to ensure that untreated waste water (sewage)from the Northshoreistreated responsibly prior to discharging into our waterways. The goal is to ensure that the waterway inhabitants and thelocal environment continues to thrive and maintain the natural beauty of our community. Presented by: Glen Parker and Ron den Daas, North Shore Streamkeepers Society
All net proceeds of the Coho Festival go to Coho Society of the North Shore who provide support to local organizations in river and stream enhancement projects that benefit the sustainability of salmon and other fish.