Bold, sustained action can revitalize wild Pacific salmon in the lower Fraser River
New research shows that Wild Salmon populations in the Fraser can recover if action is taken now.
New research on ecotypes clarifies how they can illuminate our understanding of adaptation and evolution
This article systematically reviews the literature on ecotype designations and reflects on recent advances in genetic science to show that genetic analyses can provide concrete evidence for the designation of ecotypes, which has implications for conservation decision making.
Vanishing goats? Not on the watch of the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation
The first signs happened decades ago. KXN community members began to report a decline in sightings of goats once frequently seen from river valleys and the ocean. These patterns were alarming, given the immense cultural value of goats to the Kitasoo Xai’xais people.
Contributions of Indigenous Knowledge to ecological and evolutionary understanding
New research synthesizes the many contributions of Indigenous knowledge and its importance as a distinct but complementary way of knowing to Western science.
The return of sea otters can increase the genetic diversity of eelgrass
Contrary to how it may appear, it turns out that sea otters ripping up eelgrass actually does the plant – and the nearshore ecosystem – a favour.
On ensuring animal welfare in research using live capture
A recent journal article, published in Methods in Ecology and Evolution, draws attention to the need for consistent and high standards for animal welfare in research, and the important role that journals have in maintaining ethical standards in published research. The authors, joined by Raincoast scientists Kate Field, Paul Paquet and Chris Darimont, stress that…
New research shows the influence of salmon abundance on the movement of bald eagles
The effect of salmon carcass availability on eagle distribution across multiple rivers was previously not well understood.
They’re everywhere: research finds polyester fibres throughout the Arctic Ocean
The presence of microplastics raises concerns that textiles, laundry and municipal wastewater may be an important source of these emerging pollutants.
Quantifying lost habitat for Pacific salmon in the Lower Fraser
Salmon have lost access to as much as 85 per cent of their historical floodplain habitat – the biologically rich wetlands next to a river or stream that typically harbour wildlife – due to dikes and similar infrastructure.
Research: Fisheries management of the Wuikinuxv bear-salmon-human system guided by n̓àn̓akila and data
Guided by the Wuikinuxv principle of n̓àn̓akila (to keep an eye on something or someone; a protector or guardian), a new study shows how fisheries managers can allocate salmon for wildlife, while balancing the needs of local communities.
Spatial alignment between grizzly bear genetic groups and Indigenous language families in coastal BC
In the landscape on the central coast of what is now known as British Columbia, genetic analyses have identified three distinct genetic groups of grizzly bears. The spatial areas of these groups align strikingly well with the geographies of three Indigenous language families (Tsimshian, Northern Wakashan, Salishan Nuxalk). The explanation the research partnership favours is…
Recommendations towards greater transparency in the science, science communication, and values-driven processes of natural resource management
A new paper, published by a team of researchers including Raincoast scientists, dives into the tangle of cognitive bias, institutional agendas, human interests, and pays special attention to the role of undisclosed value judgments.