Wonders of the Salish Sea 2025: Webs of Life

Webs of Life

00:00:23
Herring Dr. Briony Penn, author and artist

Briony will tell the amazing story of local herring populations, what happened to them overt he last 200 years and how we can renew these local herring populations and the multitude of food webs that rely on them. Forage fish play a critical role in growth and survival of Strait of Georgia salmon. Studying salmon diets not only reveals this role, but also provides insights into the ecology of the forage fish themselves. This talk will discuss historical, recent and ongoing research on salmon diets in the Strait of Georgia, with a focus on the key role played by herring throughout their life cycle.Dr. Briony Penn is a fifth-generation Salt Spring Islander who has witnessed the extirpation of resident herring spawns from over fishing in her home harbour of Fulford. She is known for her work as a naturalist on the coast, an educator in both university and community classrooms, and as author/illustrator of award-winning books about the coast.

00:45:35
Life on the Rocks Kendra Luckow, Eco-guardian, Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, and Registered Veterinary Technologist

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve marks the southernmost point of Canada’s west coast and serves as a hub of incredible biodiversity. From seals to orcas to eagles—and with at least one Ecoguardian present at all times—this reserve hosts a vast array of life. Imagine waking up to an elephant seal on your doorstep, chopping wood while a sea lion snuffles the sawdust behind you, or being dive-bombed by gulls protecting their nests as you walk between buildings—that’s just
another day in the life of an Ecoguardian. The wildlife at Race Rocks shifts with the seasons,
and each one is as extraordinary as the last. While this presentation will highlight the
reserve’s biodiversity as a whole, the primary focus will be on marine mammals, their use of
the reserve, and the unique lifestyle and responsibilities of Race Rocks' sole human resident.
Kendra Luckow is a registered veterinary technologist. She has been working in marine mammal rescue since 2018. Her career has taken her across diverse fields of animal care, from penguins and elephants to shark research and sea turtle rehabilitation. When she is not working, she can be found at Race Rocks (also working) or hiking on the North Shore with her dog Gary, looking for whale spouts from any viewpoint they come across!