All posts by Rochelle Baker

Rochelle Baker is a staff reporter with Canada’s National Observer, thanks thanks to a grant from the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada. She previously worked as a newspaper reporter and photographer in BC’s Lower Mainland for over 7 years.
Rivers & Oceans

Ocean Acidification poses a top climate change danger on B.C. coast

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Lurking in B.C.’s ocean is a lesser-known climate risk experts say has the potential to cause significant harm to the marine ecosystem and the economies of coastal communities.

Now scientists and stakeholders are developing an action plan to deal with the dual dangers of ocean acidification and hypoxia — or dangerously low oxygen levels — in the marine environment. 

Continue reading Ocean Acidification poses a top climate change danger on B.C. coast →
Indigenous Nations, Rivers & Oceans

Ottawa invests $11.8 million in Indigenous commercial fishing ventures on West Coast

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Ottawa is committing close to $12 million to boost sustainable Indigenous fishing enterprises on the West Coast. 

Continue reading Ottawa invests $11.8 million in Indigenous commercial fishing ventures on West Coast →
Energy, Indigenous Nations

Small West Coast First Nation fuels economic growth with clean energy

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Klahoose Nation is charged up over a new clean energy project that both protects the environment and fuels economic development. 

A new micro-hydroelectric project at the Klahoose Wilderness Resort on B.C.’s isolated Central Coast will eliminate diesel fuel use at the off-grid, eco-tourist destination, removing 38 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, said Bruno Pereira. 

Continue reading Small West Coast First Nation fuels economic growth with clean energy →
Rivers & Oceans

B.C. shellfish growers experiencing a watershed moment


National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Quadra Island oyster farmer Steve Pocock believes B.C.’s shellfish sector is facing a watershed moment. 

West Coast growers have endured a tough couple of years as the COVID-19 pandemic dried up demand from restaurants and international markets, and extreme temperatures in June cooked countless beach-grown oysters and clams alive in their shells.   

And now growers have another sink or swim dilemma — the need to change farming practices and tackle marine debris created by the shellfish sector, said Pocock, who is also president of the BC Shellfish Growers Association (BCSGA). 

Continue reading B.C. shellfish growers experiencing a watershed moment →
Health

Island Health not exempt from B.C.’s record toxic street drug death toll


National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

B.C. communities large and small are suffering devastating losses as deaths from toxic street drugs reached an all-time high with 2,224 people dying from overdoses in the province last year. 

Every health authority saw a record loss of lives in 2021 as an average of six people died each day from toxic drugs, said B.C.’s Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe on Wednesday, and communities across Vancouver Island were no exception. 

Continue reading Island Health not exempt from B.C.’s record toxic street drug death toll →