Announcing the 2024 Research & Environment Grants

Ha'oom Fisheries Society - Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Research & Environment Grant 2024Photo Credit: Ha'oom Fisheries Society

We're excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Research and Environment grants. This year, the CBT awarded a total of $36,000 in funding to six inspiring projects in the region. These projects address threats to key species and ecosystems and uplift nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) ways of knowing. Efforts also focus on habitat conservation, restoration, and protection for ecologically and culturally important species and ecosystems.

We deeply appreciate the efforts of the Research and Environment Advisory Committee, comprised of dedicated local volunteers, for their time and efforts to review each application. We also want to thank Tofino Resort & Marina for contributing towards these projects through the Clayoquot Sustainability Fund.

To learn more about the projects, or connect with project leaders, email colin@clayoquotbiosphere.org.

2024 Research and Environment Grant Projects

ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht) Fisheries Clam Beach Renewal – Ahousaht First Nation Fisheries Department

The goals of this project are threefold: to strengthen traditional clam beach stewardship practices, promote this knowledge transfer to ʕaḥuusʔatḥ youth, and increase shellfish populations on beaches seeing shellfish declines. Historically productive and culturally significant, Clam beaches, often termed “clam gardens”, in ʕaḥuusʔatḥ haḥuułii are vital for food sovereignty and economic opportunities. Shellfish populations have decreased due to factors like aging clam diggers, increased predation, invasive species, and reduced traditional tending. ʕaḥuusʔatḥ Fisheries staff will identify and restore these beaches using techniques like seeding and beach tending. High school students will be actively involved, emphasizing youth engagement. Restoration efforts will commence in the summer of 2024, with implementation and impact monitoring in the spring of 2025.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Seasonal Chinook Closures – Ha’oom Fisheries Society

Suuḥaa (Chinook Salmon) are vital to the Pacific Northwest's ecology, economy, and cultural heritage, but they face challenges like habitat degradation and overfishing. Conservation efforts and fishing regulations by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), including spatial and temporal closures, aim to protect migrating stocks on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. However, the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation) and ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht) question the efficacy of these measures and seek genetic stock identification of Suuḥaa during closures. The Ha’oom Fisheries Society is working on a research project for in-season monitoring and sampling of Suuḥaa in Clayoquot Sound to evaluate the closures' impacts. This project, in collaboration with ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ, ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ, Tla-o-qui-aht Fisheries, and Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society, will run from mid-April to late August, coinciding with peak fishing season. It aims to provide insights into Suuḥaa migration, local stock dynamics, and fishing pressures, informing better management strategies for sustainable conservation.

Harbour Health & Environmental Education – Ucluelet Aquarium

The Ucluelet Aquarium aims to enhance community education through events and activities to foster a deeper understanding and stewardship of local marine ecosystems and Indigenous culture within the community. Key initiatives include:

  • Safe Wildlife Practices with Bob Hansen: Monthly talks from June to September 2024 to educate the public on responsible wildlife interactions, promoting conservation and protection of key species and habitats.
  • Habitat and Species Protection Talks: Six talks from summer to fall 2024 with local experts discussing habitat conservation, emphasizing the safety of ecosystems and organisms, and encouraging community engagement in biodiversity and conservation efforts.
  • nuučaan̓uł Language & Culture Integration: Efforts to incorporate nuučaan̓uł language into the aquarium's space, including a culturally significant map and species labels, culminating in a public event in March 2025 to celebrate and educate on Indigenous knowledge and cultural significance.
  • Interactive Educational Map: Hiring a local graphic designer to create a dynamic, interactive map of the Ucluelet Peninsula for permanent display, featuring important landmarks, real-time wildlife info, and Nuu-chah-Nulth cultural and historical knowledge.

Shellfish Toxicity Monitoring in ʕaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht) Hahoulthee - Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society

Working in tandem with the project described above, this project will improve safety measures around shellfish food sources. ʕaḥuusʔatḥ musčim (people) have relied on shellfish for food since time immemorial. In recent times, shellfish toxicity has become a health and safety concern for those who rely on wild harvest of shellfish. The goal of this project is to better understand the potential toxicity of shellfish in ʕaḥuusʔatḥ Hahoulthee (territory). The three groups of toxins to be tested are saxotoxins (paralytic shellfish toxins), demoic acid (amnesic shellfish toxins), and diuretic shellfish toxins. California mussels (Mytilus californianus) will be collected as an indicator species. Once these mussels have passed the necessary toxicity tests (i.e., not exceeded toxicity thresholds), then target species, such as butter clams (Saxidomus gigantea) will be collected for testing. Sample collection and monitoring will continue on a regular basis in order to ensure there are no gaps in safety.

Ten Years of Sea Star Wasting Surveys in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region – Redd Fish Restoration Society

Redd Fish Restoration Society has integrated Strawberry Isle Marine Research Society (SIMRS) to continue their shared commitment to the well-being of the oceans, the preservation of fish habitats, and the care and stewardship of marine ecosystems. This amalgamation allows Redd Fish to complete SIMRS's long-term projects, including sea star wasting syndrome (SSWS) surveys. Sea stars are an important keystone species, particularly sunflower stars and ochre stars, and are responsible for maintaining the balance of biodiversity and health of intertidal and subtidal ecosystems. This research is tracking the spread of SSWS on this coastline and contributes to the understanding of the ecological effects on surrounding ecosystems. Redd Fish hopes this 10th year of survey data will help researchers identify early warning systems for future environmental threats in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. The Sea Star Stewardship Program (SSSP) engages locals and visitors in scientific surveys, promoting marine stewardship. Partnering with local organizations, the SSSP contributes to a North America-wide monitoring effort. The project included community-led sea star surveys planned from May to August 2024, marking the program's 10th and final year. This decade-long project has trained community members as ocean stewards, promising lasting impacts. The project also supports data integration into the MARINe database, with findings shared with community and Nation partners.

Whales of Clayoquot and Barkley – Marine Education and Research Society (MERS)

Since 2019, the Marine Education and Research Society (MERS) has documented whale sightings, contributing to the Canadian Pacific Humpback Collaboration (CPHC), which consolidates data for regional and international monitoring. MERS’s efforts help track whale movements, document new calves, and address entanglement and vessel strike issues. This project aims to fill research gaps, enhance Humpback conservation, and provide valuable data for mapping and photo-ID catalogues for researchers and the community. The team also does extensive community outreach to build knowledge and understanding of the issues whales face today and improve the relationship between whales and humans in nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-Chah-Nulth) territory.

The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust's Regional Forum: Highlights and Insights from October 2024

November 4, 2024
On October 24, 2024, the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust brought together a mix of participants for a gathering on ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations) territory at TinWis. This gathering was all about fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and building strong, collaborative relationships. Attendees included representatives from First Nations, local governments, and organizations involved in environmental research, stewardship, restoration, and sustainable development.

Fostering Collaboration: BC's UNESCO Biospheres Gather in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region

October 9, 2024
In early October, the three BC-based UNESCO Biosphere Regions gathered for knowledge sharing within the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region. Each Biosphere Regions works together on shared priorities including biodiversity conservation and climate action. By leveraging our unique strengths and priorities, we are able to collaborate and support each other’s efforts.  

Collaboration and Conservation: Highlights from Our Gathering at the Waterton Biosphere Region

October 9, 2024
Earlier this month, Janessa (Conservation Partnerships Coordinator) and Rebecca (Executive Director), joined colleagues from across Canada’s 19 UNESCO Biosphere Regions for a knowledge-sharing event within the Waterton Biosphere Region. This gathering was made possible thanks to support from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Canadian Biosphere Regions Association. 

Koyah's Journey: From receiving CBT's Education Award to Studying Science at UBC

October 1, 2024
Koyah Morgan-Banke a Toquaht student who received CBT's Central Region nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) Education Award in 2023 and is currently studying Sciences at the University of British Columbia to pursue a career in medicine. She has recently gotten in touch to share an update on her academic journey as well as her personal growth since receiving the award. 

Insights from our 2024 Intern: A Summer with the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

September 25, 2024
This summer, we had the privilege of welcoming Zahur as CBT's 2024 summer intern, where they played a key role in supporting a variety of initiatives across the organization. Zahur brought fresh perspectives and a strong work ethic, making a meaningful impact on numerous projects. We’re incredibly grateful for their hard work and dedication! To learn more about Zahur's experience, read their blog post below.

New Signage: Welcoming You to the Haḥuułi of the Five Central Nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) Nations

September 9, 2024
If you’ve driven from Port Alberni to the coast recently, you may have noticed a new sign 2km before you arrive at “the junction.” The sign welcomes you to the ḥaḥuułi of the five central region nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) Nations — hiškʷiiʔatḥ (Hesquiaht), ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht), ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Ucluelet), and tukʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht) — where the biosphere region is designated. 

Announcing the 2024 Vital Grants

September 5, 2024
We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Vital Grants. This year, the CBT awarded $80,000 in funding to three inspiring projects in the region. These grants focus on addressing regional priorities and complex challenges that influence sustainability in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. They also aim to support meaningful, longer-term collaboration between organizations, communities, and cultures.

Announcing the Community Prosperity Fund Recipients

September 3, 2024
We are pleased to announce that $125,000 in funding was distributed to support three projects in the region through the Government of British Columbia’s Community Prosperity Fund. The Community Prosperity Fund is a $25 million investment from the Government of B.C. that advances poverty reduction and social inclusion. This fund is part of the Government of B.C.’s commitment to supporting the non-profit sector and empowering local communities to make decisions about what would most benefit them and their communities.

Announcing the 2024 Biosphere Research Award

August 29, 2024
We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Biosphere Research Award. This year, the CBT awarded $20,000 in funding to Ha’oom Fisheries Society for their Coho Vitality Project.

Join our Team!

August 27, 2024
*This position has been filled!  The construction of the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre creates an opportunity to exemplify the richness of the region’s cultures in a physical space, providing opportunities for all local artists to preserve culture and traditional knowledge, while creating accessible economic opportunities through art. The Art Program Coordinator engages community members and partners with the goal to plan, gather, and supervise the creation and installation of art in the future building in scale with available funding.

Newsletter Feature: World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves/Regions

August 26, 2024
We’re honored to have been featured in the World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves/Regions newsletter! This spotlight highlights the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Center and the ongoing efforts in the region to reduce plastic pollution, alongside our collaborative stewardship initiatives. Read more!

Announcing the 2024 Arts & Culture Grants

August 20, 2024
We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Arts and Culture grants. This year, eleven inspiring projects in our region have been awarded a total of $30,000 in funding. These grants focus on supporting arts and cultural activities that encourage inter-generational participation. They aim to promote cross-community and cross-cultural engagement, facilitate learning and teaching opportunities, and strengthen arts capacity through workshops, collaborations, and education. Additionally, these grants prioritize equity-seeking initiatives that address barriers to equal access and participation in the arts, focusing on BIPOC communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups. 

Announcing the 2024 Youth & Education Grants

August 9, 2024
We're excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Youth and Education grants. This year, the CBT awarded over $52,000 in funding to eleven inspiring projects in the region. These grants aim to address urgent needs for youth, as highlighted in CBT's 2023 Vital Signs report. They focus on building capacity, providing education and training opportunities, and fostering connections among youth across communities in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. Additionally, the grants support youth-driven projects and promote education and discussion around multiculturalism, inclusiveness, and diversity.

Join our Team!

July 24, 2024
*This position has been filled!  We’re looking for an Executive and Finance Assistant to support the CBT across all program areas. The successful candidate will coordinate the day-to-day administration and operations of the CBT office, creating a welcoming space, hosting events, updating administrative practices, and maintaining records. They will work closely with the Executive Director to support the Board of Directors, as well as work closely with the Finance Coordinator to assist with bookkeeping processes. The Executive and Finance Assistant will work across the CBT to support our programs and events. Apply now!

Announcing the 2024 Community Development Grants

July 23, 2024
We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Community Development grants. This year, five outstanding projects in our region have been awarded a total of $24,000 in funding. These grants are dedicated to fostering accessible, inclusive, healthy, supportive, equitable, and sustainable communities, helping to build a stronger and more united region.

Welcoming our 2024 Summer Intern

July 15, 2024
We're excited to welcome Zahur Ashrafuzzaman (she/he/they), our new summer intern who is already making valuable contributions to a variety of projects across the organization!

Our Team's Experience at EuroMAB 2024

June 11, 2024
In early June 2024, two members of the CBT team, Colin Robinson and Janessa Dornstauder had the opportunity to attend EuroMAB 2024 in the Elbe River Landscape, Germany – a UNESCO Biosphere. Because there are so few countries in North America, Canada, and the USA participate in the European network, while Mexico participates in the Latin network. Read more about their experience!