Since 2015, the CBT has granted an annual Biosphere Research Award of up to $20,000 to local research projects that will help enhance the vitality of our intertwined ecosystems and communities. We've compiled a list of the projects that were selected over the past 6 years for their ability to meet or exceed the funding criteria for the grant. Check them out below!
2015
Organization: Pacific Wildlife Foundation
Project: Gray Whale Society
Principal Investigator: Jim Darling
Description: Use the research funds to analyze over 40 years of local gray whale sightings and 20 years of DNA samples to further develop his theory on gray whale social structure
2016
Organization: Association of Wetland Stewards for Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds
Project: Conservation of Amphibian Migration Across Roads
Principal Investigator: Barbara Beasley
Description: Our goal is to determine the effectiveness of experimental culverts and fencing material to reduce road mortality and provide habitat connectivity for migrating amphibians.
2017
Organization: University of Victoria / Hesquiaht Language Program
Project: Nuu-chah-nulth (NCN) worldview and place-based language revitalization
Principal Investigator: chuutsqa Layla Rorick
Description: Investigate and deliver NCN-centered content targeting the creation of an educational training program for working-age people to support the revitalization of NCN language in educational, land/sea-based and home environments.
2018
Organization: Central Westcoast Forest Society
Project: Assessing Habitat Conditions at Tranquil Estuary to Guide Chinook Restoration & Conservation Efforts
Principal Investigator: CWFS Research Team
Description: Assess the role of habitat biophysical conditions in the spatial and temporal distribution and abundance of rearing salmon in the estuary. By having an evidence-based picture of the habitat conditions, we can begin to effectively restore the wild salmon stocks of the Tranquil Creek.
2019
Organization: Raincoast Education Society
Project: Residency and Habitat Use of Migrating Shorebirds in Tofino, BC
Principal Investigator: Mark Maftei
Description: Clarify the patterns of residency and habitat use of shorebirds in the Tofino area by tracking shorebirds of multiple species during both spring and fall migration (200 total) over three years using VHF radio transmitters.
2020
Organization: Thornton Creek Enhancement Society
Project: West Coast Vancouver Island Juvenile Chinook Survival Project
Principal Investigator: Tom Balfour
Description: Gain a better understanding of hatchery release strategies, growth rates, survival and spatial/temporal habitat preferences of WCVI Chinook during the year of life in both freshwater and marine environments.
2021
Organization: Strawberry Isle Marine Research Society
Project: Pelagic Marine Species Survey
Principal Investigator: SIMRS Team
Description: There remain vast gaps in knowledge of species that inhabit offshore (pelagic) marine ecosystems, many of which are considered Threatened, Endangered, or Data Deficient. The project seeks to better our understanding of pelagic marine species, offshore habitats, key threats, and recent changes to pelagic ecosystems by collecting a broad spectrum of species and habitat data along the same transect across the continental shelf break near Clayoquot Sound.
