Thompson Rivers University Student Earns Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Scholarship

Transcription

1 September 19, 2018 Thompson Rivers University Student Earns Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Scholarship [Kamloops, B.C.] Fish have always been a part of Janna Wale s life. They are central to her family traditions, are an important food source and have a special place in many childhood memories. This deep connection fostered an interest in studying the natural world and how to protect it. To support her on this journey, Wale has received a $1,500 scholarship from the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC to support her studies at Thompson Rivers University. Growing up in Hazelton, Wale and her sister were taught to respect fish and appreciate what the resource means to her family. As a child she watched her father and uncles traditionally harvest fish that would provide food through the year. Later, Wale participated in the annual salmon harvest part of the Gitxsan cultural system for thousands of years. She and her sister also joined her grandfather to fish on weekends when he patiently taught them how to cast and how to properly handle and release the fish they caught. These experiences and memories have translated into her lifelong love and appreciation of fish and fishing. With the understanding of how fishing shaped the culture and lifestyle of my ancestors and many other fishing nations, I became interested in recreational fisheries, says Janna Wale. Being selected as a recipient of this scholarship is a great honour for me as well as for my family. I cannot express how grateful I am for this opportunity, or tell you how much it means to have the Society support my education as well as my future. It will help me to achieve both my personal and academic goals, which will benefit British Columbia s future fisheries management. When Wale was deciding on what to study for a post-secondary degree, her background in fishing and connection to the environment led her to Natural Resource Science. Already, partway through the degree, Wale has developed a greater appreciation and understanding of the factors that will help to preserve fish resources for generations to come. I want to be a part of the generation of resource managers who make an impact on ecosystem health through the practice of sustainably. Since 2008, the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC has awarded over $60,000 in scholarships to 35 students. The scholarships recognize outstanding commitment to academic pursuits in the field of freshwater fisheries. Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC scholarships are available to students enrolled in fish culture or natural resource management programs within a recognized post-secondary education institution in British Columbia. To be eligible, applicants must have completed at least their first year of post secondary studies and plan to continue as a student, with the intent of establishing a career in BC. Scholarship applicants submitted a written or video essay outlining their experience, interests and chosen educational program along with a transcript and resume. Students were asked to explain how their interests and chosen studies will support BC s freshwater fisheries industry and key goals such as research and habitat conservation. Submissions were received from 23 students attending post

2 secondary education institutions throughout the province. Other students selected for a scholarship were Torry Hoffos, Luc Turcotte and Lauren Elviss of University of Northern BC. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC was created in 2003 as a private, not-for-profit organization, funded mainly through freshwater fishing licence revenues. In partnership with the Province, the Society annually stocks eight million trout, char and kokanee salmon in 800 B.C. lakes. It also manages special hatchery programs for endangered species including white sturgeon, conducts fisheries research, education and conservation programs and works to make angling more accessible for all. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC receives 100% of fishing licence revenue to invest in research, infrastructure and services to support freshwater fishing in BC. To find out more, visit gofishbc.com. Media Contacts: Tammy Longbottom, Human Resources Director, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Tammy.Longbottom@gofishbc.com Corporate Office Regatta Landing Victoria BC V9A 7S2 Canada T toll free: F E Fish@gofishbc.com gofishbc.com

3 September 19, 2018 University of Northern BC Student Earns Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Scholarship [Prince George, B.C.] An early curiosity about the natural world has led to the pursuit of a career in resource management for Lauren Elviss with a particular interest in the freshwater environment. Elviss has received a $1,500 scholarship from the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC to help advance her studies at the University of Northern B.C. Elviss grew up in Richmond where proximity to the Pacific Ocean and Fraser River fostered her fascination with the aquatic side of the natural world. Childhood summers were spent exploring the beaches and forests on Gabriola Island, climbing trees, turning over rocks and picking up insects. At five years old, after watching a pod of orcas from the beach, she knew she wanted to be a biologist. In high school I volunteered at Orphaned Wildlife Rehab, which spurred me on to studying wildlife management. I also volunteered at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum as an interpreter, where I became interested in biodiversity and conservation education, says Lauren Elviss. I am very grateful to the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC for this scholarship. I am looking forward to graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Resource Management and to my future work benefitting and improving British Columbia s environments and ecosystems. This summer, Elviss got her first hands on experience in fisheries management, working for the Clearwater Trout Hatchery as a fish culture technician. It was an amazing learning experience for me, and has made me seriously consider a career in fish culture or fisheries science after I graduate. Elviss received her Veterinary Office and Animal Care certificate from Douglas College in Following that she attended Langara College s Environmental Science program before transferring to UNBC s Wildlife and Fisheries Management program in Since 2008, the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC has awarded over $60,000 in scholarships to 35 students. The scholarships recognize outstanding commitment to academic pursuits in the field of freshwater fisheries. Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC scholarships are available to students enrolled in fish culture or natural resource management programs within a recognized post-secondary education institution in British Columbia. To be eligible, applicants must have completed at least their first year of post secondary studies and plan to continue as a student, with the intent of establishing a career in BC. Scholarship applicants submitted a written or video essay outlining their experience, interests and chosen educational program, along with a transcript and resume. Students were asked to explain how their interests and chosen studies will support BC s freshwater fisheries industry and key goals such as research and habitat conservation. Submissions were received from 23 students attending post

4 secondary education throughout the province. Other students selected for a scholarship were Torry Hoffos and Luc Turcotte of University of Northern BC, and Janna Wale of Thompson Rivers University. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC was created in 2003 as a private, not-for-profit organization, funded mainly through freshwater fishing licence revenues. In partnership with the Province, the Society annually stocks eight million trout, char and kokanee salmon in 800 B.C. lakes. It also manages special hatchery programs for endangered species including white sturgeon, conducts fisheries research, education and conservation programs and works to make angling more accessible for all. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC receives 100% of fishing licence revenue to invest in research, infrastructure and services to support freshwater fishing in BC. To find out more, visit gofishbc.com. Media Contacts: Tammy Longbottom, Human Resources Director, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Tammy.Longbottom@gofishbc.com Corporate Office Regatta Landing Victoria BC V9A 7S2 Canada T toll free: F E Fish@gofishbc.com gofishbc.com

5 September 18, 2018 University of Northern BC Masters Student Earns Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Scholarship [Prince George, B.C.] A long-time interest and appreciation of aquatic environments has led to Luc Turcotte s pursuit of a Master s degree from University of Northern BC with a focus on freshwater ecosystems. Turcotte s research and work has been recognized by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, which awarded a $1,500 scholarship to support the continuation of his studies in the freshwater fisheries field. Turcotte grew up in Vancouver, relocating to Prince George after completing a bachelor s degree at Thompson Rivers University. Turcotte is completing his second year in the Master of Science program in Natural Resource Science. My research interests are in fish and fish habitat. For my graduate degree, I am investigating the incubation environment of coho salmon embryos in the Coldwater River, south of Merritt, B.C., says Turcotte. This field research started in the fall of 2017 and is ongoing, with plans for a second field season this fall, along with a paired lab study. The lab component will look at the effect of different levels of dissolved oxygen on incubation development of coho embryos. Turcotte has traveled throughout B.C. conducting research focused on the collection of environmental data in the areas of fish and fish habitat, hydrology, surface water quality, and hydrogeology. This work, along with the time I have spent outdoors fly-fishing on B.C. lakes and rivers, has instilled an appreciation and interest in B.C. s unique aquatic environments. I am excited to contribute to our growing body of knowledge about these environments. Since 2008, the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC has awarded over $60,000 in scholarships to 35 students. The scholarships recognize outstanding commitment to academic pursuits in the field of freshwater fisheries. Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC scholarships are available to students enrolled in fish culture or natural resource management programs within a recognized post-secondary education institution in British Columbia. To be eligible, applicants must have completed at least their first year of post secondary studies and plan to continue as a student, with the intent of establishing a career in BC. Scholarship applicants submitted a written or video essay outlining their experience, interests and chosen educational program along with a transcript and resume. Students were asked to explain how their interests and chosen studies will support BC s freshwater fisheries industry and key goals such as research and habitat conservation. Submissions were received from 23 students attending post secondary education throughout the province. Other students selected for a scholarship were Torry Hoffos and Lauren Elviss of University of Northern BC, and Janna Wale of Thompson Rivers University.

6 The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC was created in 2003 as a private, not-for-profit organization, funded mainly through freshwater fishing licence revenues. In partnership with the Province, the Society annually stocks eight million trout, char and kokanee salmon in 800 B.C. lakes. It also manages special hatchery programs for endangered species including white sturgeon, conducts fisheries research, education and conservation programs and works to make angling more accessible for all. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC receives 100% of fishing licence revenue to invest in research, infrastructure and services to support freshwater fishing in BC. To find out more, visit gofishbc.com. Media Contacts: Tammy Longbottom, Human Resources Director, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Tammy.Longbottom@gofishbc.com Corporate Office Regatta Landing Victoria BC V9A 7S2 Canada T toll free: F E Fish@gofishbc.com gofishbc.com

7 September 18, 2018 University of Northern BC Student Earns Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Scholarship [Prince George, B.C.] A lifetime spent appreciating the outdoors has nurtured a passion for natural history and the pursuit of a career in conservation for University of Northern BC student Torry Hoffos. Hoffos commitment to conservation has been recognized by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, which awarded a $1,500 scholarship to support his completion of a Fish and Wildlife degree. Hoffos grew up exploring the Williams Lake area. A significant part of his life has been spent outdoors learning about the natural world. These early experiences nurtured a passion for natural history and conservation. Over the past three years, I have had the opportunity to apply my interests to fisheries projects while working for the British Columbia Conservation Foundation, says Hoffos. This has included two summers working as a River Guardian on the Dean River, as well as on many smaller lake projects around the Cariboo region. Hoffos is completing his final year of a Fish and Wildlife degree at the University of Northern British Columbia. I look forward to being able to move into a full-time career, and contribute to the conservation of British Columbia s valuable fish and wildlife species. Since 2008, the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC has awarded over $60,000 in scholarships to 35 students. The scholarships recognize outstanding commitment to academic pursuits in the field of freshwater fisheries. Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC scholarships are available to students enrolled in fish culture or natural resource management programs within a recognized post-secondary education institution in British Columbia. To be eligible, applicants must have completed at least their first year of post secondary studies and plan to continue as a student, with the intent of establishing a career in BC. Scholarship applicants submitted a written or video essay outlining their experience, interests and chosen educational program along with a transcript and resume.. Students were asked to explain how their interests and chosen studies will support BC s freshwater fisheries industry and key goals such as research and habitat conservation. Submissions were received from 23 students attending post secondary education throughout the province. Other students selected for a scholarship were Luc Turcotte and Lauren Elviss of University of Northern BC, and Janna Wale of Thompson Rivers University. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC was created in 2003 as a private, not-for-profit organization, funded mainly through freshwater fishing licence revenues. In partnership with the Province, the Society annually stocks eight million trout, char and kokanee salmon in 800 B.C. lakes. It also manages special hatchery programs for endangered species including white sturgeon, conducts fisheries research, education and conservation programs and works to make angling more accessible for all. The

8 Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC receives 100% of fishing licence revenue to invest in research, infrastructure and services to support freshwater fishing in BC. To find out more, visit gofishbc.com. Media Contacts: Tammy Longbottom, Human Resources Director, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Corporate Office Regatta Landing Victoria BC V9A 7S2 Canada T toll free: F E Fish@gofishbc.com gofishbc.com

9 July 13, 2018 Freshwater Fisheries Reaches 250K Learn to Fish Milestone Program has successfully increased angling participation province wide [Kamloops, B.C.] The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC is preparing to welcome the 250,000 th participant to the Learn to Fish program. Freshwater Fisheries staff has been closely tracking participation numbers and has determined the 250K participant will attend a Kamloops Learn to Fish program at Paul Lake Provincial Park at 10 am on Wednesday, July 18. To celebrate this milestone, we ll be handing out cupcakes and one lucky participant at the Learn to Fish event will receive a prize package, including a fishing rod of their own to take home. Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC began delivering Learn to Fish programs in 2006, reversing a decline in freshwater fishing participation. That year, 2400 people participated in 120 programs in BC provincial parks. In 2017, over 6400 participants flocked to BC Parks to participate in 178 programs across the province. Learn to Fish in Provincial Parks are hosted as a drop-in program for youth ages five to 15 and their family. Cost to participate is free or by donation. Surveys show that half the participants in Learn to Fish have not fished before but over half of total participants continue fishing after attending a program. Learn to Fish participants are introduced to fishing gear and tackle set-ups and are taught basic knot tying, how to identify their catch and how to fish responsibly. Participants also learn how to cast and retrieve and experience hands-on fishing at the lake. Rods and tackle are provided through our sponsor, Rapala, and programs run rain or shine. Learn to Fish is offered throughout the province thanks to the generous support of the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Columbia Basin Trust, Rapala, BC Ram Dealers, Teck Highland Valley Copper, Yamaha Motors Canada, Backroad Mapbooks, and the Province of BC. Two more Learn to Fish programs will take place at Paul Lake this summer, on August 1 and 22. Other programs in the Kamloops area will be held at Walloper and Lac Le Jeune lakes. Dates and times are listed on the Events and Programs calendar at Media Contact: Jessica Yarwood Outreach Coordinator Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC

10 June 15, 2018 Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery Grand Reopening on Family Fishing Weekend [Abbotsford, B.C.] The Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery is holding a grand reopening in conjunction with the unofficial start of summer Family Fishing Weekend. Running 8 AM to 1 PM on Saturday, June 16, the event offers the full range of Family Fishing Weekend activities as well as tours of the updated visitor centre and the new pavilion. The visitor centre has been spruced up to make it more family-friendly and create a more welcoming space for the more than 10,000 people who make a trip to the hatchery each summer. The visitor centre reopening is focused on fun hands-on fishing experiences. Registration for a fishing time slot at the hatchery pond begins at 8 AM. Rapala fishing rods are available at no charge for anyone who wants to fish but doesn t have gear. Learn to Fish sessions will be offered, covering basic fishing skills as well as tips on using the gear. As well participants can enjoy themed arts and crafts, a concession and door prizes through the day. At 12:50 kids are invited to be part of a live fish release. Hatchery staff will transfer fish into buckets, allowing every child the opportunity to release their own bucket of fish into the Learn to Fish pond. Prizes will be awarded through the day, including door prizes and derby prizes such as first fish, tagged fish or hidden weights. Participants are welcome to keep their catch and are encouraged to have a cooler on hand. A pavilion at the pond has been added to provide more flexibility to enjoy a fishing experience in the sun or the rain, offering a covered area to convene or have lunch while at the hatchery. The refurbished visitor centre features updated information and more user-friendly signage, making it easier for families to enjoy a visit together. Family Fishing Weekend began with a dozen events focused in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and the Okanagan and has grown to offer events in nearly every corner of the Province. Fishing licence requirements are waived for the weekend, meaning Canadian residents can fish licence-free over the three days, although some requirements remain in effect. Details are posted on the BC Family Fishing website and the Fisheries and Oceans website. Coordinating events over the Father s Day weekend is an opportunity to remind people fishing is often a social activity. It s not only the solitary angler casting on a lake. It s a way to spend quality time with other people in the outdoors, says Family Fishing Society of BC President Wayne Saito. We see all generations at Family Fishing Weekend events from the very young who will be holding a rod for the

11 first time to parents and grandparents proudly sharing their own fishing tips and techniques with the next generation. Family Fishing Weekend events to be held on the Lower Mainland: Abbotsford Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery June 16 Coquitlam Lafarge Lake June 17 Chilliwack Cultus lake June 16 New Westminster Port Royal Beach June 17 North Vancouver Rice Lake June 17 Richmond Berry s Bait & Tackle June 16/June 17 Whistler Alta Lake June 17 Squamish Alice Lake June 15 Events are supported by the Family Fishing Society and organized by Fish and Game clubs, the Conservation Officer Service, municipalities, community groups, and local businesses. A complete list of participating communities, locations, and event descriptions, along with step-by-step fishing instructions, can be found at Freshwater and tidal fishing regulations, including daily catch quotas, always apply; details are posted at or Family Fishing Weekend is an ideal time to get set for the fishing season ahead, says Provincial Coordinator of the Family Fishing Society of BC, Jessica Yarwood. If a lack of experience or a lack of gear has been making someone hesitant we invite them to come to one of our events and give it a try. They may discover their new favorite sport! The Family Fishing Society of BC was established in 2001 to encourage new anglers as well as promote and coordinate Family Fishing Weekend and other angling initiatives targeted toward families and young people marks the 19 th year of the licence-free fishing weekend. Media Contact: Jessica Yarwood Provincial Coordinator Family Fishing Society info@bcfamilyfishing.com Corporate Office Regatta Landing Victoria BC V9A 7S2 Canada T toll free: F E Fish@gofishbc.com gofishbc.com

12 May 2, 2018 Summerland Hatchery Celebrating 100 Years of Fish Culturing in the Okanagan [Summerland, B.C.] A centennial year is a cause for celebration and it s no different for a fish hatchery. While the Summerland hatchery is turning 90 in 2018, it is actually the 100 th anniversary of fish culturing in the region. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC s Summerland Trout Hatchery will be celebrating with an Open House on May 12, 2018 from 11 am to 3 pm and everyone is invited to discover more about the hatchery and the hatchery s history. The hatchery is a great source of pride in our community. As the oldest continuously running trout hatchery in B.C., we have deep roots in Summerland, says Kyle Girgan, hatchery manager. We hope the community will come out to help us mark the occasion and we ve created an anniversary sticker so people can show their Hatchery pride all year long. The Summerland Hatchery annually raises one million brook char and rainbow trout for the recreational fishery, stocking them into 300 lakes in the Okanagan. The hatchery hosts around 3,000 visitors each year and will have outreach staff operating Learn to Fish programs in municipal, regional, and provincial parks throughout the Okanagan again this summer. The Summerland hatchery is also home to a Rod Loan program. Families and other groups can borrow fishing rods and gear at no cost and try fishing at a nearby lake. The Summerland Hatchery Open House on May 12 is a family friendly event featuring tours through the hatchery, fish rearing and lake stocking discussions with a fish culturist, fish culture demonstrations and Learn to Fish activities. Cake will be served, and goodie bags have been prepared for the kids. Commemorative vinyl stickers, which will adhere to bumpers, boats or tackle boxes, will also be available for all visitors. Fish culturing began unofficially in Summerland in 1918 when George Gartrell, a local Game Warden and the first commercial orchardist in the Okanagan Valley, began small scale fish culturing in Summerland s Lower Town. The Federal Government purchased the existing site to use as a hatchery in Formerly a concrete powerhouse, the location offered consistent water flow and constant water temperature from the Shaughnessy spring, making it an ideal location for raising fish. In 1927 Granville Morgan was appointed Special Guardian of Fisheries for Okanagan District No. 1 under George Gartrell, now Inspector of Fisheries. The hatchery was run on a part-time seasonal basis at the time and some of the first hatchery releases were into Darke and Garnet Lakes, local lakes which are stocked to this day.

13 The Provincial Government purchased the hatchery from the Federal Government in 1937, the year the Province took over all fish culture activities relating to inland species from the Federal government. In 1947 the old power house building was replaced with the current structure and the Summerland facility became a permanent trout hatchery for the province. A visitor centre was opened in 1990 and ownership was transferred to the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC in The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC was created in 2003 as a private, not-for-profit organization, funded mainly through freshwater fishing licence revenues. In partnership with the Province, the Society annually stocks eight million trout, char and kokanee salmon in 800 B.C. lakes. It also manages special hatchery programs for endangered species including white sturgeon, conducts fisheries research, education and conservation programs and works to make angling more accessible for all. The Freshwater Fisheries Society receives 100% of fishing licence revenue to invest in infrastructure and services to support freshwater fishing in BC and is also investing in additional research and infrastructure projects across the province. To find out more, visit gofishbc.com. Media Contacts: Kyle Girgan Manager, Summerland Trout Hatchery Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Corporate Office Regatta Landing Victoria BC V9A 7S2 Canada T toll free: F E Fish@gofishbc.com gofishbc.com

14 August 17, 2017 Clearwater Hatchery Celebrating Two Decades of Raising Fish [Clearwater BC] For 20 years the Clearwater Trout Hatchery has been raising fish, stocking lakes and introducing people to the pleasures of freshwater fishing. On August 26, 2017 from 10 am to 2 pm the public is invited to celebrate this milestone at the hatchery s 20 th Anniversary Open House. In addition to tours that highlight the hatchery s recent upgrades, the public is invited to try fishing for free and a slice of birthday cake at noon. Staff will take visitors through the hatchery and showcase how the hatchery works and the most recently completed upgrades. Upgrades reduced energy usage and improved the hatchery s operating efficiency. The improved tank design constantly moves waste out of the system, reducing time required to clean the tanks. With better access to feed throughout the tank, fish are better able to convert food to body mass, reducing variance in fish size. The result is more consistent, better conditioned, healthier fish to be released into rivers and lakes throughout the province. The hatchery looks quite different than it did twenty years ago. Two of us have been here since the early days and we are looking forward celebrating with the community and sharing stories about the hatchery s journey. We are hoping people will share their experiences with us, says Geoff Giesbrecht, Assistant Hatchery Manager. As a long time part of the community we expect there are many great memories people have of the hatchery. Visitors will also be able to fish at Dutch Lake Resort, across the road from the Clearwater Hatchery. Rapala rods and tackle will be available to borrow for free and Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Learn to Fish staff will be set up to provide advice and tips to people at all levels of fishing experience. Children under 16 do not require a fishing licence. The Clearwater Trout Hatchery s 20 th Anniversary Open House will be held from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, August 26 and everyone is welcome. The hatchery is located at 40 Old North Thompson Highway Rd. E. in Clearwater. For more information call The Clearwater Trout Hatchery, one of six hatcheries owned and operated by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, raises rainbow trout, brook trout and kokanee. The Clearwater and Kootenay Trout Hatcheries are the only facilities that stock kokanee salmon in BC. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC was created in 2003 as a private, not-for-profit organization, funded mainly through freshwater fishing licence revenues. In partnership with the Province, the Society annually stocks eight million trout, char and kokanee salmon in 800 B.C. lakes. It also manages special hatchery programs for endangered species including white sturgeon, conducts fisheries research, education and conservation programs and works to make angling more accessible for all. As of April 1, 2015, under a new agreement with the provincial government, the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC

15 receives 100% of fishing licence revenue to invest in infrastructure and services to support freshwater fishing in BC. With the increased revenue, the Society is investing in additional research and infrastructure projects across the province. To find out more, visit gofishbc.com. Media Contact: Mark Green Manager, Clearwater Trout Hatchery Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Corporate Office I Regatta Landing, Victoria,BC V9A 7S2 Canada T I toll free: I E fish@gofishbc.com I gofishbc.com