Species at Risk on the Atlas

Photo by: Bruce Obee

We are pleased to introduce an addition to the Georgia Strait Communities Atlas, a new chapter of our virtual atlas which explores Species at Risk in the Salish Sea.  Over the coming year, we will be releasing a series of interactive Google Earth maps that will be featured on our Communities Atlas website.  These maps will provide information about species at risk (such as resident killer whales, nooksack dace, sockeye salmon and rockfish) and why they are considered to be threatened or endangered. In particular the maps will focus on providing information to support the strategies for the recovery of these species as mandated under Canada's Species at Risk Act.


With the generous support of the Schad Foundation, we present the first map in this series which tells the tale of why our southern resident killer whales are a Species at Risk.  These whales, found in southern BC and Washington, are considered to be at risk because of their small population size (currently 85 individuals), a loss of prey availability and their exposure to pollution and disturbances from human activity.  To illustrate this issue, this map provides interactive information layers that show how southern resident killer whale critical habitat and food sources intersect and overlap with human activity in these areas.  Check out the Species at Risk: Southern Resident Killer Whale map here. This map, and the maps that follow, will help us to clearly see that we do in fact coexist with these ‘Species at Risk’ and that their protection and the reduction of the threats that endanger them is our responsibility and should be a priority for all of us.

Help us Map Species Risk in the Georgia Strait

Would you like to share a story, photo or video of our amazing southern resident killer whales?  Help others learn about and witness the majestic beauty of these amazing animals by helping us build a Local Knowledge component to the Species at Risk Maps.  Sign up on the website to submit your contribution, and check the Georgia Strait Communities Atlas for the release of new Species at Risk maps and updates!
 

Meet Megapus

If you haven't had the pleasure of encountering the new addition to the Georgia Strait Communities Atlas team yet, I officially introduce you to Megapus (that crazy looking critter to the right).  This multi-talented octopus, cleverly constructed by our summer career placement students, (Deanna McGillivray and Isabelle Gendron-Lemieux) attracted many visitors to GSA’s information tables at events over the summer.  Megapus not only gave us more opportunities to talk with people about the Georgia Strait Alliance, but having been crafted to record video, also provided a unique opportunity for people to 'talk to the octopus' and share what they value or are concerned about in the Georgia Strait…I mean, how could you say no to that face?

This is what people had to 'say to the octopus' at the, Powell River Open Air Market, Car Free Day and Vancouver Folk Festival;    

 

Check this out on the Atlas

 Check this out on the Atlas

 Check this out on the Atlas

Did you know that you can submit your own videos to the Georgia Strait Communities Atlas?

It has always been a goal of the Communities Atlas project to engage the public to participate in the creation of a rich and informative Local Knowledge layer.  The Local Knowledge Atlas layer, a collection of submitted content that captures everything from observations of wildlife to concerns about shoreline development, helps us to understand what's important to citizens both in specific communities and region-wide. With the launch of the new Communities Atlas we have been exploring ways to increase public involvement and inspire people's creativity in helping to capture how we experience life on the Georgia Strait and how we envision a healthy future for our coastal communities.

What would you say to the octopus?  Sign up to the Communities Atlas to submit your videos and pictures.  We are currently looking, in particular, for stories about success stories of current marine protection/conservation projects and initiatives around Georgia Strait, but of course, whatever you would like to share is most welcome!

A Whirlwind Summer Draws to a Close

A giant shark cruises through Snug Cove
during the BowFest parade!

We are sad to say that this is our final blog of the season. After a summer of exciting outreach and coastal adventures, we are trading our GSA t-shirts for thinking caps, and heading back to our respective studies.

Our last weekend of events was a busy one. Deanna had the pleasure of attending BowFest, Bowen Island’s community festival on Saturday. The theme of this year’s event was “prehistoric”, and Bowen Islanders did not disappoint. The parade which opens the festival every year was packed with polka-dotted Wooly Mammoths, giant prehistoric birds and fish, roaring T-Rexes, and rock star cave-people. The festival itself was lively as well! Island residents and visitors sampled delicious food, enjoyed great live music, and browsed the booths of local artisans and community groups. The kids had a great time enjoying the carnival rides, checking out the live reptile exhibit, and urging on their favorite slugs in the slug races. Deanna had several conversations with well informed, passionate individuals and spread the word about our Communities Atlas Project. As per usual, the Trans-Mountain pipeline and oil tankers were the hot topics of the day, though many individuals were interested in knowing more about the health of Howe Sound.  All in all, it was one of the most enjoyable events of the summer, and as such, a big thank you is owed to Ellen White and the rest of the BowFest team for welcoming GSA to the Festival!

Isabelle adds some GSA decor to
the Kitsilano Farmers Market.

On Sunday, Isabelle grabbed a bag of brochures, a petition against the oil tanker increase in the Strait, and a GSA tablecloth, and headed to Kitsilano’s Farmers Market. Her small booth was set right in the center of the Market between two rows of tents filled with fresh produce and other local goods. With the sun shining, the market was busy from start to end.  Many market goers holding bags filled with luscious fruits from the Okanagan Valley took the time to stop by Isabelle’s booth to sign the petition and discuss issues such as the oil tanker increase and salmon farming in the Strait of Georgia.

On Tuesday, we rounded off our summer outreach tour by returning to Parksville’s Summer by the Sea Market for a second time. It was the market’s final night of the summer, and though ominous clouds loomed, Oceansiders and visitors alike came out in droves to indulge in one last local treat, and check out the artisan craft displays.

We would like to thank everyone who came to talk to us and buy raffle tickets at the market, and at all of our events this summer! We both have truly enjoyed our summer of outreach with GSA. We managed to attend 25 different events in Georgia Strait of all shapes and sizes, from Victoria to Powell River. Thank you to our GSA buddies for their warm welcome and helping hands! We hope that their passion will continue to be contagious as our coastal waters need such heroes!

Bonne chance and stay wild!

                                

                           -Deanna and Isabelle