The Loon Foundation is hosting a monitoring symposium: a gathering of local citizen scientists, professionals, volunteers and curious community members for sharing and collaborating in the long-term monitoring of coastal aquatic biodiversity on the Sunshine Coast.
The Monitoring Symposium is Saturday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Pender Harbour Community Hall. This event will showcase the diversity of species and environments currently being monitored, from sea birds, to shorelines to salmon. Guest speakers include Dr. Peter Ross (Raincoast Conservation Foundation), Bill Henwood (formerly Parks Canada), John Field (Citizen Scientist with Salish Sea Marine Survival Project) and Jenn Blancard (Loon Foundation Monitoring Programs). Following speaker presentations, Michael Jackson (executive director, Loon Foundation) will emcee a round table discussion on what the future holds for monitoring and preserving biodiversity in the Salish Sea.
For nearly a decade, the Loon Foundation has operated the Pender Harbour Coastal Waters Monitoring Program (PHCWMP). An essential part of local biodiversity data collection, PHCWMP is a selection of ecosystem surveys designed to document species of the freshwater and marine ecosystems of our region over time. The data collected becomes part of larger regional understanding, through collaboration with groups like shíshálh Nation, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Coastal Oceans Research Institute, Raincoast Conservation Foundation, Hakai Foundation, Coastal Restoration Society and the Coastal Forage Fish Network. The findings are intended to assist planners and policy makers to make better informed decisions about the management and protection of the area’s natural resources and maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems throughout our remarkable region. The findings will be shared at the event.
Ongoing participation by community citizen science volunteers is a big part of what makes monitoring programs successful. Local volunteers will be at the event to share their involvement and experiences with the Pender Harbour Coastal Waters Monitoring Program too.
Interested in how the Loon Foundation is tracking the true biodiversity of local marine and freshwater environments on the Sunshine Coast? Join fellow citizen scientists, nature enthusiasts, guest speakers, and the Loon Foundation team as they work towards an increased understanding of local ecosystem health. Everyone is welcome at this free event on Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at P.H. Community Hall. For the symposium schedule visit: loonfoundation.org.
