Two days left to nominate researchers and changemakers you know advancing ocean science
Learn more about last year’s winner of the Raincoast Ocean Science Student Award, Kiara Kattler, and her work exploring roles of predators in invasive species management in Haíɫzaqv (Heiltsuk) Territory.
Kiara is a PhD student at the University of Alberta and State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF), working with Dr. Stephanie Green and Dr. Kyle Artelle.
She is leading research that supports initiatives of the Heiltsuk Integrated Resource Management Department in Haíɫzaqv (Heiltsuk) Territory, where they are exploring the role of native predators as both indicators and potential controls of invasive prey, using the invasive European green crab and their coastal mustelid predators as a case study.
Their research team worked with Haíɫzaqv Guardians in Bella Bella collecting scat from mink, river otters, and sea otters to better understand their diets and interactions with invasive species. A scat detection dog from Working Dogs for Conservation, named Moose, was helpful in the search of these scats as well. This work supports community-based management of invasive species in Heiltsuk Territory and informs broader conservation and policy strategies at an ecosystem-level scale.
This research may highlight an additional benefit of conserving predator populations, not only for biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, but also as partners in monitoring and managing threats from invasive species in coastal ecosystems.
She hopes to continue a career in coastal systems, working to preserve biodiversity and support healthy marine ecosystems.
Are you, like Kiara, part of an inspiring community of leaders advancing ocean science, conservation, and stewardship?
Raincoast Ocean Science Awards’ nominations are open!
These awards celebrate outstanding individuals and organizations working to protect coastal lands, waters, and wildlife through science, Indigenous Knowledge systems, and public engagement. We know that many of you are connected to incredible people doing impactful work, and we hope you’ll help us recognize them by submitting a nomination.
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Nominate a student making a difference in ocean science and conservation (bonus if they’re working in the Salish Sea!)
- Share the call for nominations with your friends, collaborators, and networks.
- Join us at the awards ceremony—tickets are now available!
Nominations close September 18.
