Pacific Sand Lance, Ammodytes hexapterus, are an ecological cornerstone in our coastal marine environment. Over 100 species rely on this little fish as a major food resource, including juvenile salmon, of which the sand lance make up to 60% of their diet! However, these fish and understudied and in danger due to habitat loss, changing ocean dynamics, and increased red algae blooms.
Along with our partners in the Coastal Forage Fish Network, including Parks Canada, Peninsula Streams Society, Project Watershed, Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society, and the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute, we aim to raise awareness the lesser-known fish while investigating signs of spawning across our network's area. Join us to be part of this project and the future of forage fish on the Sunshine Coast!
Below are the times and places you can volunteer with us, we hope to see you there. Please email our Field Research Supervisor, jenn@openpods.com, to sign up!
Friday, Dec. 8
9:00AM Baker Beach
9:00AM Martin Cove
5:00PM Bargain Harbour Park
sATURDAY, Dec. 9
8:30AM Sunset Cove