RESEARCH
Our research aims to generate place-based data that is relevant to policy development, conservation, and fisheries management. Specific research projects are often responsive to the needs of rights-holders, and/or in partnership with coastal First Nations, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and various NGOs. These projects span fields of study including fisheries science, population ecology, disease ecology, and biodiversity governance. We use approaches including field research, experimentation, molecular ecology, mathematical modelling, and knowledge co-production. Ultimately, our goal is to generate knowledge that informs our societies' ability to manage biodiversity in ecologically and socially just ways.
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Our research primarily takes place around Vancouver Island in the territories of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation (Nootka Sound), the Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw Peoples, the ʼNa̱mgis First Nation, and the Mamalilikulla First Nation (the Broughton Archipelago). We have a strong relationship with the team at Salmon Coast Field Station.
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Disease and salmon aquaculture​
Salmon aquaculture is one of the most lucrative and politically contentious fisheries practices on the coast of British Columbia. Farmed salmon are mostly grown in open-net sea pens situated within the marine environment. The conditions in these pens facilitate the amplification of salmon pathogens into the surrounding environment. Our current research is focused on understanding how far pathogen eDNA arising from salmon farms can spread into the marine environment, and the implications for wild salmon health.
Photo: Clayoquot Action
Wild salmon health ​​
West Coast Vancouver Island (WCVI) Chinook populations are in decline, threatening the cultures and livelihoods of communities that rely on them. WCVI Chinook face a myriad of challenges, including climate warming, habitat loss, and marine pathogens, and are especially vulnerable during their first year at sea. Using advanced genomics approaches, we are exploring which stressors are most relevant for juvenile Chinook during this first year. These data will inform mitigation strategies and recovery programs to protect these important fish.
Biodiversity governance​​
Contending with the ongoing biodiversity and climate crises require transformative change of how we live in relation with Lands and Waters. This means critically evaluating how we are currently doing things, and learning from to a diversity of voices and worldviews. Our research examines shortcomings of existing biodiversity legislation and conservation processes, and provides recommendations for improvement (e.g., Ray et al. 2021, Grimm et al. 2026). We also research the ways in which colonial institutions (e.g., universities) challenge equitable research partnerships (e.g., Grimm et al. 2026), and provide solutions to redistribute power.
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