Description

Research

Since 1956, our researchers have been conducting original studies of habitats and animals (fish, invertebrates and mammals) in the wild and on site at the Vancouver Aquarium and other facilities in order to advance our knowledge necessary to enhance environmental conservation. Much of our research would be impossible to perform in the wild and there are few opportunities for researchers, in academic or government research departments, to access marine animals. We are in a unique position to study and observe aquatic life. View our research publications.

CORI

The Ocean Wise Coastal Ocean Research Institute (CORI) systematically collects, analyzes, and publicly communicates data describing the health of coastal ecosystems on Canada’s West Coast. In 2017 CORI published Ocean Watch: Howe Sound Edition to assist in creating a conservation action plan for the protection of Howe Sound.

About this Report

Based on several years of research focusing on marine ecosystem indicators, CORI identified seven reporting themes for its Ocean Watch series. These themes taken together touch on ecological, socioeconomic, cultural, and governance aspects of ecosystem health and provide a window to the whole picture of what is happening in an area.

CORI set out to report on the status of coastal ocean health in Howe Sound, having listened and heard the need for such a compilation at Howe Sound Aquatic Forums in 2014 and 2015. These forums brought together First Nations, governments, businesses, community members, and people from many walks of life from around the Sound to share knowledge and discuss opportunities to work together.

About Howe Sound

Howe Sound, an inlet of the Salish Sea cut deep into the mountains, is the seaward part of famed Sea to Sky country. Currently the home and traditional territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), the Sound has been inhabited by indigenous peoples since long before recorded time – for at least 9800 years according to archeological evidence. It is a great gift of natural circumstance that Howe Sound, a place of such wild beauty, survives just next door to the hectic Vancouver world of two and a half million people.

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Task

Ocean Watch scavenger hunt

In a discussion post discuss what your discovery process was to

[1] identify stakeholders in coastal environments

[2] identify and map the Nations that correspond with coastal habitats

[3] critically discuss the importance of guiding positive change in watershed ecosystems

[4] share who you think are the water stakeholders in your community and how you would bring them together?

You may post one discussion to represent you school, and then all participants must comment on their colleagues post to contribute to the national dialogue.

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Learning Objectives

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Continue to 4b. Nov 15 - The Ocean Needs Our Help »