Raincoast Conservation Foundation

Seeing wild salmon thrive: Our wild dream At Raincoast, we’re scientists in every sense of the word. We conduct research and publish peer-reviewed papers and reports that form the basis of our advocacy. The results of our work aren’t only found in academic journals. We bring science to the public, to the desks of decision-makers, and to the government. Our research helps to shape policy, legislation, and public opinion for the benefit of the wildlife and ecosystems that we care deeply about. The first video in our new animation series, Ripple Effect, shares how we act on the unwavering commitment we have to see wild salmon thrive in wild rivers. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ggvFX6p2

Fact over fiction: Southern Resident Killer Whales are on the brink of extinction — but the real threat goes beyond these majestic creatures. It's a fight for the survival of an entire ecosystem. Dive into this article from our clients Raincoast Conservation Foundation and get the truth about their struggle for survival and why it matters more than ever. https://hubs.ly/Q02S489v0

Solving the prey problem for the 🇨🇦 🇺🇸 population of Southern Resident killer 🐋 has been coming up in the news lately. Reporters want to hear about potential solutions for hungry whales & why efforts to date are not working. In some ways the answer is simple, its the measures that evade us. While underwater noise & vessel traffic interfere with successful foraging, Southern Resident's first problem is a lack of their preferred prey: large, old Chinook salmon (generally >74 cm, 4+ yrs old). These fish are also called Kings (🇺🇸 ) or Springs (🇨🇦). A century ago, many more Chinook fell into this category than today. Nowadays, Chinook are generally smaller & younger. This is especially true for Chinook released from US hatcheries. In Puget Sound for example, the average hatchery Chinook (at maturity) is 62 cm long & less than 3 yrs old, significantly below a size where SRKWs purse them. Roughly 80% of Puget Sound hatchery Chinook salmon fall into this category. While hatcheries have their own set of problems as a solution for hungry killer whales, a key reason for the declining size and age of Chinook is the way they are fished. Unlike most other salmon, Chinook can feed and grow in local waters instead of rearing in the Gulf of Alaska and other North Pacific areas. This makes them vulnerable to being caught in coastal fisheries while they are still growing. The removal of immature (but legal sized) Chinook in a marine fishery acts as a selective pressure (a fishery induced evolution) that lowers survival of fish maturing at older ages and bigger sizes, in favour of younger age and smaller size. One way to restore larger, older Chinook is to stop harvesting them in the ocean, and instead harvest them at their spawning rivers. Shifting to terminal fisheries could do several things that benefit killer whales, Chinook and local fisheries. 1) after several generations, larger Chinook with higher productivity can rebuild 2) killer whales get access to mature fish before fisheries 3) Over time, killer whales can recover their historic foraging efficiency (eating larger fish) 4) higher weight fish can be caught in rivers. Stay tuned for more on this topic in the coming weeks.

We are so pleased to be learning and working with the incredibly committed, intelligent and energetic team at the #Whistler Lakes Conservation Foundation as we partner on this Sky to Sea #HealthyWaters initiative!

Currently, Daniel Stewart, members of the Conservation Decisions Lab, Raincoast Conservation Foundation, and Ducks Unlimited Canada, are installing small-scale marsh creation experiments at Tilbury Island. https://lnkd.in/gjVPUby7

Unveiling the art of male cougar scent marking and territory claiming. In this captivating video compilation, observe this male cougar as he moves through his territory, scent marking and engaging in a behaviour known as “scraping” — an important method of communication in the wild. https://lnkd.in/gAEAZH-R

Join us on Wednesday, October 30th at The Polygon Gallery for the 2024 Raincoast Ocean Science Awards! The Raincoast Ocean Science Awards is an evening to celebrate marine conservation, excellence in science, and outstanding achievements by individuals and groups striving to protect marine habitats. When you purchase your tickets consider sponsoring a Raincoast team member to attend as well! #oceanscience #marineconservation #ScientificExcellence https://lnkd.in/g48362jR

Raincoast’s research vessel, SV Achiever, is a Transport Canada certified 68 ft. steel hulled sloop that offers education, research, and engagement opportunities on the BC coast year round. Now you can follow the location of Achiever in real time as it travels up and down the coast.

The killer whales are speaking, but is the minister of transport listening? Now is the time for a transition plan towards watertight regulations that can reverse the possibility of Southern Resident killer whales going extinct this century. #KillerWhales #ConservationScience #Conservation https://lnkd.in/g3mrMZHe

Sounding the alarm: The federal draft Ocean Noise Strategy falls short. For killer whales, belugas, and other cetaceans, sound is as crucial as vision is to humans. The stakes could not be higher. If we continue to delay action, ocean noise will only intensify, pushing vulnerable species like the Southern Resident killer whales closer to extinction. https://lnkd.in/gsg97_Dm