The Cowichan Valley Naturalists Society is hosting a presentation on conservation of herring on Monday, Feb. 7.
“Protecting Pacific Herring: Updates in conservation and management of B.C.’s foundational fish”, will feature a talk by Emmie Page, the marine campaigner for Pacific Wild. She will speak about how Pacific herring are the foundation of the Pacific Coast marine ecosystem.
“The herring stocks and the sustainable First Nations spawn-on-kelp fishery — that dates back thousands of years — are being threatened by commercial fisheries,” says a release for the event. Page “will explore the current conservation status of Pacific herring and the management measures that threaten to further decimate herring stocks. Emmie will discuss the cultural importance of herring and the traditional methods of harvesting. New research exploring the differences between migratory and resident herring will be highlighted, along with Pacific Wild’s recommendations for future management.”\
Pacific Wild is a conservation organization that aims to influence policy and public opinion to help support healthy ecosystems for healthy biodiversity within British Columbia, the release says. As the marine campaigner for Pacific Wild, Page works on campaigns for herring, salmon and Marine Protected Areas. Page has a Bachelor of Oceanography and Biology from the University of British Columbia and a Masters in Fisheries Resource Management from Memorial University.
To attend the online presentation, which begins at 9:30 a.m., email cvns@naturecowichan.net for the Zoom link.
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Cowichan Valley residents are invited to enter their pet in the BC SPCA’s calendar contest.
“Is there a special animal who warms your heart? Celebrate them by winning them a page in the BC SPCA’s 2023 calendar. For many animal-lovers, their bond with their pets makes every day brighter. The calendar contest, presented by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, offers a great way to celebrate all the pets of B.C.,” says a press release.
“Pets can be affectionate, loyal, funny and so much more. For many people they’re family,” says Tess Repenning, senior manager of digital giving for the BC SPCA. “Each one is unique and we can’t wait to get to know all the special pets out there. Sharing your pet’s photos in our annual calendar contest is the perfect way to shine a light on your furry friend while raising urgently needed funds for homeless, abused and injured animals.”
Last year, the BC SPCA helped more than 100,000 domestic, farm and wild animals in need, through cruelty investigations, sheltering and adoption, emergency veterinary care and rehabilitation and a wide range of outreach, advocacy and education services.
Participants are invited to upload their pet’s photo and story to the calendar contest website and then invite friends and family to donate in support. The 13 animals (12 months and one cover) with the most votes at midnight on Feb. 14, 2022 will win a spot in the 2023 BC SPCA Calendar.
This year’s contest also brings back a popular new category from presenting sponsor Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Even if you don’t make the top 13, those who get 25 votes or more have a chance to be selected for the Hill’s Honourable Mention spot in the calendar.
Hill’s provides all the food for the cats and dogs in BC SPCA care and is excited to return as the sponsor for the calendar contest fundraiser.
“We’re delighted to support this fun, community-building fundraiser and make an impact for animals in need. We can’t wait to see all the wonderful photos and look forward to crowning one lucky pet as the Hill’s Honourable Mention,” says Frances Cheslo, engagement specialist, Hill’s Pet Nutrition Canada. “We look forward to seeing animal-lovers come together to celebrate the special animals in their lives.”
To register and learn more visit spca.bc.ca/calendar or contact the BC SPCA at events@spca.bc.ca or Generosity Services at 1-855-622-7722.