.
BAYNES SOUND/LAMBERT CHANNEL ECOFORUM
NOVEMBER 24, 2023.
Vancouver Island University’s DEEP BAY MARINE FIELD STATION
900-915 AM
Doors open. Coffee, tea, and snacks
915 AM Acknowledgement and Welcome
920 AM Broader access to knowledge and data was identified a key factor to improve your or your community’s role in the stewardship and management of Baynes Sound and Lambert Channel. From bird migration to norovirus plumes, from phytoplankton to water temperature – there is a lot to know and learn. Building on input from the May 2023 event, participants will have an opportunity to share their visions, values, and concerns about this place at this time.
- Quick overview of the May workshop
- 2 min descriptions of data needs from various groups
- BCSGA
- ABAM
- Assoc of Denman Island Stewards
- Concerned Citizens of Baynes Sound
- Others…
- Meant to get feedback from everyone attending on data needs they have and why – to set up the whole workshop
- Start with people’s needs
- End of the day what’s missing
945 AM
Nina Harvey, GIS Analyst. Salish Sea Initiative, Interactive Map.
Data and knowledge about Baynes Sound and Lambert Channel are being integrated into an interactive map developed as part of the Salish Sea Initiative. It is part of an agreement to support Indigenous groups in monitoring the cumulative impacts of human activities on local marine ecosystems. This tool has the capacity to increase the scientific and monitoring efforts around Baynes Sound and Lambert Channel. We’ll hear from Nina Harvey, a GIS analyst who has been actively involved with this project.
1000 AM
Ben Skinner, GIS Specialist, Strait of Georgia Data Centre
The Strait of Georgia Data Centre has been collecting marine ecosystem information since 2011. It is designed to serve as a central data repository, to protect and collate marine ecosystem information for the Strait, and to allow for data sharing and integration. Ben Skinner has spent 7 years using mapping and spatial data to assist in ensuring this tool is accessible to a variety of users.
1015 AM
Nicole Frederickson, Program Manager Citizen Science Oceanography Program, Pacific Salmon Foundation
Some of the valuable oceanographic data in the Strait of Georgia’s databanks comes from work done by volunteers operating Citizen Science patrol boats throughout the Salish Sea. These citizen scientists have been collecting important oceanographic data year-round since 2015.
Learn about the vast dataset that they have been collecting, where and how the program operates, and how these data may be used to help increase our awareness and understanding of ocean conditions and ecosystem impacts at local and regional scales in the Salish Sea. There will be a specific focus on Baynes Sound.
1025 AM
Svetlana Esenkulova, Biologist, Marine Science Program, Pacific Salmon Foundation.
Currently, the PSF Citizen Science datasets from Baynes Sound and Lambert Channel include hydrographic profiles, nutrient data, and phytoplankton information.
Using phytoplankton and algal blooms (HABs) as an example, biologist Svetlana Esenkulova will use data from the Citizen Science databank to provide an overview of the dynamics and potential causes of HABs in the Baynes Sound/Lambert Channel ecosystem.
1035 AM
Stretch your legs!
The amazing team at Sweet Pea Catering has put on coffee, tea, and some delicious and nutritious snacks. Enjoy. You’ve got 15 minutes for some hallway chats.
1050 – 1215
Panel Discussion
Moderated by Dr. John Neilson
We’ve assembled this morning’s speakers for further discussion about identifying assets and gaps for ecosystem monitoring in Baynes Sound/Lambert Channel. In addition to key points arising from the presentations, additional discussions could include:
- What are the deficiencies in the available time series of data
- To what extent are the data being synthesized and useful products coming from it? Are the data being used to guide management of the area?
- Data stewardship, longevity of tools, accessibility
- Who else is involved in data gathering/research (what bodies (e.g., unis vs. govt)
- Is there a role for the Ecoforum in improving data accessibility, and if so, what are the next steps?
- Bring up any gaps in data needs identified during earlier presentations
1215 – 1315
Lunch
A nutritious buffet lunch featuring soups, salads, sandwiches, and dessert. Vegan, Gluten Free options on the table.
1315 – 1330
Report from Steering Committee Carl Butterworth, Co-Chair
1330 – 1345
As the Area Based Aquaculture Management pilot winds down in this area, we’ll hear about what has been learned and what work needs to be carried forward.
- What is an ABAM?
- Who is leading it?
- What’s been accomplished so far and planned?
- What’s next after the time period runs out?
- Are there any specific date needs they have?
1345 – 1445
Whole Group Conversation (Janet)
Building on the morning’s discussions and presentations.
Topic 1: How can data be used to better support decision making across a range of stakeholders.
- How is data being used for decision making now?
- Reliability, validity of data – can it be used for decision making?
- Management Plans
- Industrial/Commercial
- Jurisdictional Maps
- What are the important shortcomings in data?
Topic 2: Data Content
- Data needs and requirements
- Data gaps
- Traditional knowledge from FNs
- Archeological information
- Water quality
- Native species / biology
- Who might be able to address those gaps?
Optional: Topic 3: What actions can forum members do to improve data availability and accessibility? (only if it comes up and there’s time available).
- What resources might be needed?
- What might deliverables be?
- How might we put this in place?
1445 – 1500 Additional Recommendations from the Floor (Janet)
The Baynes Sound/Lambert Channel EcoForum Steering Committee will receive any additional suggestions and direction on next steps and how to be a catalyst for collaboration in the priorities identified by participants.
1500 – 1515 Key Takeaways (Janet)
The Baynes Sound/Lambert Channel EcoForum Steering Committee will receive any additional suggestions and direction on next steps and how to be a catalyst for collaboration in the priorities identified by participants.
1515 Safe Journey Home (Carl)
The Baynes Sound/Lambert Channel EcoForum is grateful for the financial and in-kind support of the Lush Charity Pot Fund, CVRD, Islands Trust, BC Shellfish Growers Association, Vancouver Island University, and the Association of Denman Island Marine Stewards.
The EcoForum is guided by the volunteer efforts of Co-Chair Carl Butterworth(manager of the Vancouver Island University Marine Field Station; Co-Chair Chris Pearce, Biologist, DFO; Secretary Dorrie Woodward, Chair of Association of Denman Island Marine Stewards; Treasurer Nico Prins,(Executive Director of BC Shellfish Growers Association); Chief Mike Recalma, Qualicum First Nation; Candace Newman, Councillor, K’omoks First Nation; Connie Graham, Territorial Stewardship Manager, Tla’amin Nation; Sam Borthwick, Islands Trust Trustee, Denman Island.