Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Every child who has ever explored a West Coast shore relishes the discovery of a sea star, with its bumpy skin, jumble of arms and striking colours.
But the once common treasure of the tidal pool is at risk of being eradicated along the Pacific coastline from a deadly combination of disease and warming oceans caused by climate change, said biologist Alyssa Gehman.
Continue reading Sea Star On Brink of ExtinctionCanada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Many teachers and parents are anxious about B.C.’s back-to-school plans, and many are unsure if they’ll return their kids to classrooms this fall at all.
Continue reading Back To School Plans : Masks & Social DistancingCanada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Cynthia Bendickson believes an ecological battle along the inside passage of Vancouver Island is looming. It’s not a question of if, but when the invasive European green crab will land on the shorelines of the Salish Sea, says the biologist and executive director of the Greenways Land Trust.
Continue reading Coming Soon: the European Green CrabCanada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The federal government released details of long-anticipated COVID-19 relief aid for fish harvesters Wednesday.
But critics argue that while the government was slow to deliver the programs, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) expects commercial fish harvesters to apply quickly, and right in the middle of fishing season. The relief programs may also shut out some new fishers carrying heavy debt, they say.
Continue reading COVID-19 Relief Aid For Fish HarvestersCanada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
At first glance, lugging around heavy water containers in a wheelbarrow or pulling weeds under the hot mid-day sun may not seem a rewarding pastime during the pandemic.
Surely weathering the COVID-19 crisis is tough enough? Why add to the burden?
But for Heather Kent, the returns from her Quadra Island, B.C., community garden plot are ample — and measured by more than just what she harvests for the table.
Continue reading Quadra Island’s Community Garden Plots
