Building Knowledge
The knowledge accumulated by our members over the past half century has given Pacific Wildlife Foundation a unique long-term perspective of Pacific ecosystems. We continue that proud tradition by conducting and supporting research of the ocean and its creatures.
Vancouver Island
Gray Whale Studies
Project Leader: Jim Darling
Studies on the abundance, population definition, behaviour, habitat use and prey species of gray whales began over half a century ago. Currently a study of social organization on the feeding grounds, based on long term associations of individuals and genetic analyses, is underway including for example, the documentation of three generations - grandmother, mother and her offspring - of gray whales living off Vancouver Island, with individual histories now spanning half a century. Jim Darling and his colleagues are also investigating ancient whale bones remains of Nuu Chah Nulth whaling culture to understand changes in the coastal ecosystem over centuries or millennia. With the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and geneticists specializing in ancient DNA, the research will explore the ecological and cultural history of gray whales prior to European contact.​​​
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Supporting Conservation
Pacific Wildlife has supported conservation initiatives for over half a century through
informed advice and awareness.
The Plight of the Gray Whale
Project Leader: Jim Darling
Gray whales are showing signs of extreme stress with significant unusual mortality, reduced reproduction, increased malnourishment, and changes how they foraging. The result has been a precipitous drop in numbers – the latest estimate of 13,000 animals is less than half of the 27,000 estimated ten years ago. ​​​
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Enhancing Access
Pacific Wildlife believes that first-hand experiences with marine life forms lasting bonds for people. We have taken thousands of people of all backgrounds to sea over the past half century. The establishment with our partners of the Reed Point Marine Education Centre is a new step toward developing a new generation of young people who appreciate the ocean.
Reed Point Marine
Education Centre
Project Leader: Rod MacVicar & Associate Ruth Joy
Director Rod MacVicar in partnership with Simon Fraser University and Reed Point Marina established the Reed Point Marine Education Centre in Port Moody for university teaching and research. The Marine Education Centre is also our headquarters.​​​
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Enhancing Awareness
Pacific Wildlife believes that first-hand experiences with marine life forms lasting bonds for people. We have taken thousands of people of all backgrounds to sea over the past half century. The establishment with our partners of the Reed Point Marine Education Centre is a new step toward developing a new generation of young people who appreciate the ocean.
The Greater Burnaby
Lake Ecosystem
Project Leader: Rob Butler
Burnaby Lake east of Vancouver is a large urban lake fed by streams and rivers from urban, suburban, and industrial lands. Once supporting a large spawning salmon population, the lake and surrounding streams became degraded starting a century ago but thanks to local conservation efforts, the waterways are recovering. The aim of the Greater Burnaby Lake Ecosystem project is to establish a holistic ecological vision among planners and the public throughout the watershed, and promote the Greater Burnaby Lake Ecosystem as an example of restoration of nature in an urban setting.​​​​
