Cheewaht Sockeye Surveys
From mid-October to mid-November, Uu-a-thluk staff partner with Ditidaht Fisheries to conduct visual surveys in the main tributary of Cheewaht Lake for sockeye salmon. The Cheewhat Lake tributary is an indicator stream for other tributaries entering the lake. Walking the stream to perform visual counts provides general information about sockeye abundance trends and habitat issues.
Ucluelet Harbour Crab Surveys
Uu-a-thluk previously worked with Ucluelet First Nation to address the lack of information about the life cycles and health of crabs in Ucluelet Harbour. Together, Uu-a-thluk and UFN Fisheries studied crab abundance, male/female ratio and movement, as well as catch effort, and food needs of membership. The partnership also submitted crab samples to test for heavy metal contamination.
Sea Otter Recovery: Although sea otter recovery is a controversial topic in some communities where people depend on the foods harvested by the growing sea otter population, Nuu-chah-nulth Nations were actively involved in assisting with recovery efforts. In 2000, Uu-a-thluk began a Sea Otter Assessment and Education Project. Working with Nuu-chah-nulth fisheries guardians and technicians, as well as with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the NTC’s fisheries biologists conducted biological surveys, facilitated oil spill response training, conducted community mapping, and raised awareness about the return of the sea otter to the west coast of Vancouver Island (WCVI). Learn more about our work with sea otters.
Sea Lice Monitoring
The Clayoquot Sound Sea Lice Working Group is a collaborative monitoring effort between salmon farmers and local First Nations environmental stewards. Beginning in 2004, the Clayoquot Sound Sea Lice Working Group monitored the prevalence and density of sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis and Caligus clemensi) on wild salmonid smolts throughout Clayoquot Sound. The results were published in two reports:
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