Almost a decade ago, XEMŦOLTW̱ Nick Claxton told his family he wanted to revitalize the reef net fishery, a fishing practice unique to the Straits Salish people and banned by the colonial government 100 years ago. His uncle advised: “You can’t just go fishing. You must first build a ceremonial net.” And so began the spiritual, cultural and educational journey that Claxton considers his life’s work. It also became his PhD dissertation in curriculum and instruction at the University of Victoria—a research study designed to revitalize the knowledge, ceremony and practice that was nearly lost.

Ocean Networks Canada at the University of Victoria and the Pacific Salmon Foundation are teaming up with citizen scientists to increase the quality and range of oceanographic data being collected through a new mobile app called Community Fishers.

Almost a decade ago, XEMŦOLTW̱ Nick Claxton told his family he wanted to revitalize the reef net fishery, a fishing practice unique to the Straits Salish people and banned by the colonial government 100 years ago. His uncle advised: “You can’t just …

New genetic database holds huge potential for fisheries science and conservation Salmon—they’re tasty and nutritious to eat, many livelihoods depend on them and they’re crucial to the health of coastal ecosystems. Turns out they’re also a goldmine of information for geneticists and molecular biologists.