BC Marine Mammal Response Network
As a member and advisor in the BC Marine Mammal Response Network (BCMMRN) we promote the conservation and protection of marine mammals and sea turtles in BC waters.
Research Projects
Bigg's Killer Whale Monitoring Project
SIMRS has been using citizen science and photo identifications for 25 years to monitor killer whales in Clayoquot Sound. The data we collect is used to make our locally-made identification catalogue for Bigg's (Transient) Killer Whales and forwarded to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) for a larger study on killer whales populations in the Pacific northwest.
Build-A-Whale
Build-A-Whale is an interactive program that aims to educate participants about marine biology, anatomy, evolutionary science and conservation. The program is hands-on and engaging as the audience assists in constructing the skeleton of an offshore killer whale and participating in several fun educational activties and games. Build-A-Whale is well travelled and well loved as she has visited facilities across Canada such as schools, markets, festivals, aquariums, elderly homes and more.
Grice Bay Habitats : Ghost Shrimp and Eelgrass
The Grice Bay Habitat project is directed at assessing the change in mudflat habitats over time since it has been used as a grey whale feeding ground. An important aspect of this study was to provide baseline habitat data, which would provide valuable information in the event of a natural or human disruption.
Kelp Canopy
Through this research program we propose to compare current and historical kelp distributions and evaluate if these declines in kelp are affecting benthic marine invertebrates.
Pelagic Birds and Marine Mammals
Between the tenth and the twentieth of each month, year round, we charter the 8-metre Boston Whaler "Eco" to run out on a specific transect that starts at the open ocean shore of Clayoquot Sound, runs out 34.5 miles, past the continental shelf to the abyssal plain.
Sea Star Wasting Disease
The goal of this project is to monitor the progression of the sea star wasting syndrome at various locations in the Tofino and Ucluelet area.
Tla-aas Youth Stewardship Program
The purpose of this project is to engage youth in stewardship and ecology through hands on learning in their own backyard.
Year End Reports
What follows is the annual report by Rod Palm, the principal investigator of Strawberry Isle Marine Research Society (SIMRS). We want to keep the membership, scientific advisors, public, corporate, and private sponsors abreast of SIMRS’ ongoing works. From reading this report, you will see that all these significant projects makes your backing well worthwhile. We hope that you feel as good about our accomplishments over the last year as we do and we look forward to your continued support and input.