Explainers
Everything you need to know about BC’s diverse marine life and coastal issues.
The Giant Pacific Octopus: A Titan of BC’s Coastal Waters
Few animals inspire as much awe and intrigue as the giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini). This colossal cephalopod is a master of disguise and an
Sunflower Sea Stars: The Ocean’s Many-Armed Gardeners
Among the distinguished creatures of BCs coastal waters, the sunflower sea star (Pycnopodia helianthoides) stands out as a true ocean giant. With as many as
Bycatch Deaths in Pacific Trawl Fisheries Are Higher Than Reported
In British Columbia’s trawl fleet, non-target species such as halibut, salmon, sharks, skates, crabs, and deep-sea invertebrates are routinely caught and discarded. Though industry practices frame these releases as “non-lethal,” the biological reality is stark: many of these discarded marine animals do not survive.
How Trawlers “Go Dark” Despite Supposed Strict Regulation
Fishing vessels around the world are routinely “going dark” by turning off their automatic identification system (AIS) transponders – and British Columbia’s trawler fleet is
Cockerell’s Nudibranch: A Jewel of BC’s Coastal Waters
Among the most captivating residents of BC’s coast are the nudibranchs, commonly known as sea slugs. These shell-less molluscs are known for their vibrant colours
The Herring Roe Kill Fishery in British Columbia
Introduction: The Herring Roe Fishery Pacific herring are a keystone species in British Columbia’s marine food web, serving as a crucial food source for a