Already by March, the growth of algae on the environmental sensors and the aluminum bar has been prolific. Regular dives have to be made to keep the sensors free of algae. The predominant Genus here is Laminaria.
Category Archives: Admin
Fouling on Sensor bar
Already by March, the growth of algae on the environmental sensors and the aluminum bar has been prolific. Regular dives have to be made to keep the sensors free of algae. The predominant Genus here is Laminaria.
Provincial Proposal for Race Rocks MPA Funding
Ecological Reserve and Marine Protected Area
OPERATIONAL PROPOSAL 2001/2002
Presented to: Province of British Columbia
BC Parks
Attention:Denis O’Gorman
Assistant Deputy Minister
January 31, 2001
Background
BC Parks was among the first to recognize the extraordinary value of this treasured eco-system. In 1980 the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve was established to protect marine life on the rocky outcrops and the ocean floor extending to a depth of 20 fathoms. Great Race Island, home to the Race Rocks light station was leased to the Federal Government since BC joined confederation. As a result the Island was excluded from the Ecological Reserve.
As a consequence of a Federal decision to de-staff the light station in 1997, the keepers were to be removed and they would no longer provide the essential supervision required for full protection of the Reserve. In excess of $25 million worth of commercially exploitable species are known to exist within the Reserve area. The presence of the keepers was determined to be essential for continued protection. Coast Guard agreed to a special short-term agreement whereby Pearson College would retain the former light keepers as eco-guardians and operate the surplus facilities as a new Marine Education Centre until such time as a permanent solution for the operation of Race Rocks could be found.
BC Parks and the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans began community consultations in 1998 to assess the possibility of Race Rocks being recognized as Canada’s first Marine Protected Area. For the first time, Race Rocks, with the cooperation of both levels of government would be truly protected with a management plan that included both the Provincially managed Ecological Reserve and the Federally controlled water column.
On January 24, 2001 Great Race Island (except for a small piece of land which accommodates the navigational aids) reverted back to the Province of British Columbia under the control of BC Parks.
A New Beginning
A long-term Parks permit is currently being prepared by BC Parks to allow Pearson College to operate the facilities at Race Rocks as a Marine Science and Education Centre in accordance with the new management plan and the original rationale from 1980 when the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve was established.
For the first time, the Race Rocks eco-system enjoys full protection under a unified management plan with the authority of both the Provincial and Federal governments. An important new provision has also been made for the full involvement of First Nations in on-going management of the Race Rocks area. The priorities of protecting ecological values, education and research are the primary focus of the recently developed management plan.
Scope of the Race Rocks Project
- The key activities that Pearson College will manage on behalf of BC Parks include:
- Protection
- Continuous supervision of the island and Reserve by resident eco-guardian.
- Security for buildings, equipment and infrastructure (24 hrs/day all year).
- Vigilant observation of activities within the Reserve and if needed, reporting of infractions to appropriate agencies.
- Electronic video monitoring of the Ecological Reserve by enforcement agencies.
- Restrict access to specific areas as necessary.
- Safety
- Observe and report any situations which may represent a safety hazard.
- Assist individuals in distress when required and liaise with rescue agencies.
- Assist in emergency communications.
- Be vigilant for fire hazards.
- Monitor for the occurrence of hazardous material spills.
Science
Continue monitoring program for weather conditions.
- Continue monitoring program for seawater temperature and salinity.
- Ongoing protection of unique Northern Abalone populations and monitoring of population and growth rates.
- Annual intertidal and subtidal transect site monitoring.
- Installation of environmental scan sensor arrays for air, soil and seawater with full accessibility on the Internet.
- Observation and recording of marine mammal and bird populations.
- Daily ecological events log.
- Support for visiting scientists.
- Development of alternative energy solutions.
The Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans began community
Education
- Development of curriculum materials for K-12 use.
- Cooperative development of information about First Nations focusing on the history of traditional uses and creating a supporting curriculum.
- Operation and continuous upgrading of the racerocks.com education site with a major commitment for the production of online archived video for classroom and public use.
- Interactive web cast production and delivery for use by schools, science centres, museums and conferences.
- Public education programs for visitors to the Race Rocks area.
- Education programs in cooperation with eco-tourism industry and dive community.
Operations
-
- Supervision and monitoring of operating systems including generators, water systems, heating systems and data network.
- Routine preventative maintenance for all buildings, equipment and infrastructure.
- Maintenance of station vessel.
- Assistance to government agencies with equipment installed at Race Rocks.
Eco-guardian / Project Management
Pearson College is uniquely qualified and suited to operate and manage Race Rocks on behalf of BC Parks and the public.
Located 3.7 nautical miles from Pearson Collegeâs docks at Pedder Bay, Race Rocks is within easy reach in moderate weather conditions. In addition to the Race Rocks station boat, Pearson College operates two purpose built aluminum workboats suitable for transporting fuel, personnel, equipment and supplies to Race Rocks.Pearson College staff provides all logistical support required for the efficient operation of Race Rocks. Qualified staffing for maintenance, accounting, purchasing and deliveries are all coordinated by existing College systems. Mike and Carol Slater, the former light-house keepers, are now employed by Pearson College and they live at Race Rocks. They are particularly well qualified to supervise and operate the facility after 30 years of experience with the Coast Guard and extensive experience observing marine life. Over the past 14 years they have been responsible for dealing with the public in the Reserve area and, when necessary, reporting infractions to the appropriate agency. Many of the College’s suppliers such as Nixon Electrical Services, Day’s Welding, Aramark Services, Henning’s Plumbing and others offer their services to Race Rocks at reduced rates or by donation.
It is an extraordinary legacy of the Millennium Partnership Fund and our partners that Race Rocks is now the most technologically advanced Marine Protected Area in the world. The state of the art information technology system includes a full island network, wireless technology, remote controlled live video streams from above and below water and an environmental data array all streamed live on the Internet for public use. Major sponsorships from Apple, Apple Learning, LGS Group, Sorenson, Sony, Telus, Yamaha, Seapoint Sensors, the Vancouver Aquarium and others support the Race Rocks project.As an educational institution Pearson College applies significant educational resources to the Race Rocks project. Environmental Systems/Biology faculty member Garry Fletcher serves as Educational Director of the Race Rocks program. Supported by students involved in web design, scuba diving, vessel operation, photography, video production, research and school program delivery, Garry has established an award winning education program at Race Rocks. This program is widely used by provincial agencies such as the Open Learning Agency, Ministry of Education, University of Victoria and the Royal British Columbia Museum. In the past year alone there have been over 65,000 users of the racerocks.com site.- This project has proved conclusively that there can be mass electronic public access to a protected area without the negative impact of large numbers of visitors to the islands. Race Rocks provides a viable alternative to the potentially high impact personal site visit. Rather than a BC Parks Ecological Reserve being a secret resource this approach encourages public education and appreciation of the area while maintaining a high level of protection.Pearson College has a proven record of successful fundraising for the Race Rocks project. Since 1997 over $280,000 has been raised from private donors to operate Race Rocks. This was an emergency initiative to save the site from demolition while a long-term solution could be found. Pearson College will continue this commitment to fundraising for the project by raising one third of the annual operating costs for the ongoing operation of Race Rocks.
Community Commitment
BC Environment Minister The Hon. Joan Sawicki and Federal Fisheries Minister The Hon. Herb Dhaliwal committed their respective governments to the establishment of a Marine Protected Area at Race Rocks on September 14, 2000. Their action was based on the unanimous recommendations of the Race Rocks Advisory Board. The Advisory Board includes senior staff from BC Parks, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and south island First Nations leadership. In addition there is broad public representation from groups such as sports fishers, the dive community, ecotourism companies, marina operators, scientists, Friends of Ecological Reserves, Georgia Strait Alliance, and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. A key feature of the Race Rocks Advisory Board conclusions is a recommendation that both the Federal and Provincial governments provide financial support for the Race Rocks Marine Protected Area.
So many Parks so little money
British Columbia leads Canada in the establishment of parks and protected areas. The fact BC is the first jurisdiction in Canada to attain the 12% of total landmass under protection goal is an extraordinary accomplishment that places British Columbia as a world leader. In only the past nine years the NDP government has doubled total park space to 11.7 million hectares to meet itâs declared objective. One might think the Ministry budget would also have been increased to provide financial support for this initiative. The Ministry budget has in fact decreased.
The financial reality of the Ministry of the Environment, Lands and Parks budget situation makes it extremely difficult for BC Parks managers to fulfill the operational challenges of administering this burgeoning parks system. One solution to the budget crisis as identified by the BC Parks Legacy Panel in their 2000 report is partnership funding arrangements with the private charitable giving sector. This is exactly what we propose for Race Rocks. Under the formula presented here BC Parks will contribute only one third of the annual operating cost of Race Rocks. For every dollar expended by BC Parks two additional dollars will be contributed to operate this BC Parks facility.
Why is Race Rocks funding special?
Race Rocks is a unique Provincial asset with specific circumstances that qualify it to be deserving of a special funding allocation designated at the Ministerial level.
So many Parks so little money
British Columbia leads Canada in the establishment of parks and protected areas. The fact BC is the first jurisdiction in Canada to attain the 12% of total landmass under protection goal is an extraordinary accomplishment that places British Columbia as a world leader. In only the past nine years the NDP government has doubled total park space to 11.7 million hectares to meet itâs declared objective. One might think the Ministry budget would also have been increased to provide financial support for this initiative. The Ministry budget has in fact decreased.
The financial reality of the Ministry of the Environment, Lands and Parks budget situation makes it extremely difficult for BC Parks managers to fulfill the operational challenges of administering this burgeoning parks system. One solution to the budget crisis as identified by the BC Parks Legacy Panel in their 2000 report is partnership funding arrangements with the private charitable giving sector. This is exactly what we propose for Race Rocks. Under the formula presented here BC Parks will contribute only one third of the annual operating cost of Race Rocks. For every dollar expended by BC Parks two additional dollars will be contributed to operate this BC Parks facility.
Why is Race Rocks funding special?
Race Rocks is a unique Provincial asset with specific circumstances that qualify it to be deserving of a special funding allocation designated at the Ministerial level.
Race Rocks is:
- an internationally recognized Marine Protected Area established jointly by the Province and the Federal government.
- Canadaâs first and only Marine Protected Area and therefore success is essential if others are to follow.
- the only Ecological Reserve in BC with over $650,000 in physical building and equipment assets owned by the Province which clearly require security and routine maintenance.
- over $25 million worth of extremely marketable sea-life that has prospered under 20 years of protection would be subject to immediate poaching without the presence of the resident eco-guardians.
- Race Rocks has the most comprehensive accumulation of scientific data of any marine Ecological Reserve. The continuous data chain some of which dates back to 1926 must be sustained.
- Race Rocks, through award winning web based education programming, is recognized as a word leader in environmental monitoring and education delivery.
- partnerships with Provincial agencies such as the Open Learning Agency, Royal BC Museum, and Ministry of Education provide direct benefit to the BC Government and British Columbians.
- the funding formula proposed is in accordance with recommendations of both the Race Rocks Advisory Board and the BC Parks Legacy Panel.
- BC Parks investment in Race Rocks will be directly matched at a two to one ratio by other independent funding sources.
- when gift in kind contributions from our other sponsors are considered the ratio of private contribution is over ten times the BC Parks contribution level.
- the involvement of BC Parks assures the project of stable funding. The lack of involvement by BC Parks will lead to immediate financial collapse.
Financial Proposal
The following operational budget provides details of projected minimum operational expenses at Race Rocks for the period April 1, 2001 to March 31, 2002. The budget is based on our four years of experience in funding the Race Rocks project and the highly efficient operational format we have established. Pearson College guarantees to cover any cost over runs if they should occur.
It is proposed that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, BC Parks, and Pearson College each contribute $50,000 to cover the 2001-2002 operating budget.
|
Race Rocks MPA/ER
|
|
|
Operating Budget April 1, 2001 to March 31, 2002
|
|
|
Salaries
|
|
|
Eco-guardian(s)
|
42,000
|
|
Educator (1/2 time)
|
30,000
|
|
Shoreside support (1/3 time)
|
14,000
|
|
Benefits
|
9,460
|
|
95,460
|
|
|
Fuel
|
|
|
Generator
|
11,000
|
|
Heating
|
1,400
|
|
Boat
|
1,750
|
|
Lube/oils
|
2,000
|
|
16,150
|
|
|
Maintenance
|
|
|
Buildings
|
6,000
|
|
Generators
|
4,300
|
|
Water pumps
|
2,100
|
|
Desalinator
|
2,200
|
|
Winches
|
800
|
|
Boat and motor
|
4,700
|
|
Jetty
|
400
|
|
Fuel system
|
450
|
|
Radios
|
200
|
|
Diving equipment
|
2,500
|
|
23,650
|
|
|
Administration Costs
|
|
|
Phone
|
600
|
|
Insurance
|
1,800
|
|
Stationery/printing
|
1,150
|
|
3,550
|
|
|
Education Program
|
|
|
Classroom materials
|
4,500
|
|
Communication/outreach programs
|
2,500
|
|
First Nations’ program
|
5,000
|
|
Internet access
|
2,000
|
|
14,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenditures
|
$152,810
|
Pearson College is a registered charity and as such is subject to an annual audit. Our auditors KPMG will provide fully audited accounting details of all Race Rocks expenditures to the partner agencies. In addition the College will file an annual operating report with BC Parks.
Conclusion
We had not expected to operate the facility on an interim basis without any financial support from any government for the past four years. Our donors are experiencing fatigue and our largest private financial supporter has indicated their continued support is conditional upon governments entering into this cost sharing formula. A similar proposal has been well received by the Federal Government. Race Rocks is an essential investment by BC Parks, a cost effective arrangement, a unique innovation in the field of environmental protection and education and a proud accomplishment for all British Columbians. We ask that you agree to support Race Rocks Ecological Reserve as it begins a new life.
Respectfully submitted,
Angus Matthews
Director of Special Projects
Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific
650 Pearson College Drive
Victoria, BC
Operational Proposal for Race Rocks Ecological reserve and MPA
Ecological Reserve and Marine Protected Area
OPERATIONAL PROPOSAL 2001/2002
Presented to:
Department of Fisheries and Oceans
Attention: Dick Carson,
Director, Pacific Region
February 15, 2001
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has recently recognized the ecological value of this treasured eco-system by selecting Race Rocks as one of the first Pilot Marine Protected Areas under the Oceans Act. Since 1980 when the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve was established, marine life on the rocky outcrops and the ocean floor extending to a depth of 20 fathoms has been protected by the Province of British Columbia. Great Race Island is home to the Race Rocks light station. Since 1980 the light- keepers have been of great assistance in protecting the Ecological Reserve by keeping a watchful eye.
As a consequence of a Federal decision to de-staff the light station in 1997, the keepers were to be removed and they would no longer provide the essential supervision required for full protection of the Reserve. In excess of $25 million worth of commercially exploitable species are known to exist within the Reserve area. The presence of the keepers was determined to be essential for continued protection. Coast Guard agreed to a special short-term agreement whereby Pearson College would retain the former light keepers as eco-guardians and operate the surplus facilities as a new Marine Education Centre until such time as a permanent solution for the operation of Race Rocks could be found.
A New Beginning
The Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans began community consultations in 1998 to assess the possibility of Race Rocks being recognized as Canada’s first Marine Protected Area. For the first time, Race Rocks, with the cooperation of both levels of government would be truly protected with a management plan that included both the Provincially managed Ecological Reserve and the Federally controlled water column.
On September 14, 2000 the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, the Hon. Herb Dhaliwal, announced he had accepted the recommendations of the Race Rocks Advisory Board and DFO staff and Race Rocks would become Canada’s first Marine Protected Area.
Background
An extensive management plan for the Race Rocks area is now being developed by DFO staff working in close consultation with BC Parks and representatives of the South Island First Nations. At the invitation of the MPA strategy, extensive community involvement has led to broad consultation and local support for the MPA initiative.
For the first time, the Race Rocks eco-system will enjoy full protection under a unified management plan with the authority of both the Federal and Provincial governments. An important new provision has also been made for the full involvement of First Nations in on-going management of the area. The vital priorities of protecting ecological values, education and research are the primary focus of the new plan now being developed.
Scope of the Race Rocks Project
For the past four years, on a temporary basis to assure interim protection at Race Rocks, Pearson College staff and students have undertaken the following responsibilities:
Protection
- Continuous supervision of the island and Reserve by resident eco-guardian.
- Security for buildings, equipment and infrastructure (24 hrs/day all year).
- Vigilant observation of activities within the Reserve and if needed, reporting of infractions to appropriate agencies.
- Electronic video monitoring of the Reserve area by enforcement agencies.
- Restrict access to specific areas as necessary.
Safety
- Observe and report any situations which may represent a safety hazard.
- Assist individuals in distress when required and liaise with rescue agencies.
- Assist in emergency communications.
- Be vigilant for fire hazards.
- Monitor for the occurrence of hazardous material spills.
Science
- Continue monitoring program for weather conditions.
- Continue monitoring program for seawater temperature and salinity.
- Ongoing protection of unique Northern Abalone populations and monitoring of population and growth rates.
- Annual intertidal and subtidal transect site monitoring.
- Installation of environmental scan sensor arrays for air, soil and seawater with full accessibility on the Internet.
- Observation and recording of marine mammal and bird populations.
- Daily ecological events log.
- Support for visiting scientists.
- Development of alternative energy solutions.
Education
- Development of curriculum materials for K-12 use.
- Cooperative development of information about First Nations focusing on the history of traditional uses and creating a supporting curriculum.
- Operation and continuous upgrading of the racerocks.com education site with a major commitment for the production of online archived video for classroom and public use.
- Interactive web cast production and delivery for use by schools, science centres, museums and conferences.
- Public education programs for visitors to the Race Rocks area.
- Education programs in cooperation with eco-tourism industry and dive community.
Eco-guardian / Project Management BC Parks, which now owns Great Race Island is issuing a long term Parks Permit to Pearson College staff to operate the site and serve as eco-guardians.
Located 3.7 nautical miles from Pearson College’s docks at Pedder Bay, Race Rocks is within easy reach in moderate weather conditions. In addition to the Race Rocks station boat, Pearson College operates two purpose built aluminum workboats suitable for transporting fuel, personnel, equipment and supplies to Race Rocks.
Pearson College staff provides all logistical support required for the efficient operation of Race Rocks. Qualified staffing for maintenance, accounting, purchasing and deliveries are all coordinated by existing College systems. Mike and Carol Slater, the former light-house keepers, are now employed by Pearson College and they live at Race Rocks. They are particularly well qualified to supervise and operate the facility after 30 years of experience with the Coast Guard and extensive experience observing marine life. Over the past 14 years they have been responsible for dealing with the public in the Reserve area and, when necessary, reporting infractions to the appropriate agency. Many of the College’s suppliers such as Nixon Electrical Services, Day’s Welding, Aramark Services, Henning’s Plumbing and others offer their services to Race Rocks at reduced rates or by donation.
It is an extraordinary legacy of the Millennium Partnership Fund and our partners that Race Rocks is the most technologically advanced Marine Protected Area in the world. The state of the art information technology system includes a full island network, wireless technology, remote controlled live video streams from above and below water and an environmental data array all streamed live on the Internet for public use. Major sponsorships from Apple, Apple Learning, LGS Group, Sorenson, Sony, Telus, Yamaha, Seapoint Sensors, the Vancouver Aquarium and others support the Race Rocks project.
As an educational institution Pearson College applies significant educational resources to the Race Rocks project. Environmental Systems/Biology faculty member Garry Fletcher serves as Educational Director of the Race Rocks program. Supported by students involved in web design, scuba diving, vessel operation, photography, video production, research and school program delivery, Garry has established an award winning education program at Race Rocks. This program is widely used by educational institutions such as the Open Learning Agency, primary and secondary schools, universities, museums and science centres throughout Canada. In the past year alone there have been over 65,000 visitors directly to the racerocks.com site and thousands more through links to the Apple Learning Exchange site.
This project has proved conclusively that there can be mass electronic public access to a protected area without the negative impact of large numbers of visitors to the islands. Race Rocks provides a viable alternative to the potentially high impact personal site visit. Rather than a Marine Protected Area being a secret resource this approach encourages public education and appreciation of the area while maintaining a high level of protection.
Pearson College has a proven record of successful fundraising for the Race Rocks project. Since 1997 over $280,000 has been raised from private donors to operate Race Rocks. This was an emergency initiative to save the site from demolition while a long-term solution could be found. Pearson College will continue this commitment to fundraising for the project by raising one third of the annual operating costs for the ongoing operation of Race Rocks.
Community Commitment
Federal Fisheries Minister The Hon. Herb Dhaliwal and BC Environment, Lands and Parks Minister The Hon. Joan Sawicki committed their respective governments to the establishment of a Marine Protected Area at Race Rocks on September 14, 2000. Their action was based on the unanimous recommendations of the Race Rocks Advisory Board. The Advisory Board includes senior staff from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, BC Parks and South Island First Nations leadership. In addition there is broad public representation from groups such as sports fishers, the dive community, ecotourism companies, marina operators, scientists, Friends of Ecological Reserves, Georgia Strait Alliance, and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. A key feature of the Race Rocks Advisory Board conclusions is a recommendation that both the Federal and Provincial governments provide financial support for the Race Rocks Marine Protected Area.
Meeting DFO Needs at Race Rocks
Race Rocks represents a unique challenge for DFO if it is to meet the declared objectives of protection, sustainability, education, research and broad community collaboration as defined in the MPA strategy. As the lead agency in the establishment of Canada’s first MPA, the Department must meet these objectives in a coordinated, cost effective manner. Pearson College, through a contract with DFO, can deliver programs under the direction of DFO that meet the defined objectives and fulfill specific DFO areas of responsibility.
The following key DFO objectives would be fulfilled under this contract:
-
- 24 hour on site staffing throughout the year
- monitoring of visitors to the MPA to ensure use guidelines are respected
- data collection on the daily number of vessels and visitors within the MPA
- reporting and recording of any infractions that may occur
- vigilant reporting of any evidence of toxic contaminants
- periodic marine mammal and sea bird population counts
- ongoing intertidal and subtidal marine life inventories
- underwater data collection through environmental scan sensors
- maintaining a daily environmental journal
- support for visiting researchers
- maintaining a directory of all research data and publications
- continuation of seawater and salinity measurements for IOS
- continuation of weather reporting for Environment Canada
- assistance to Coast Guard staff when required
- development of web based educational curriculum materials
- extensive educational programming for educational institutions and the general public utilizing the Internet as much as possible
- education programs for reserve users and liaison with commercial users
- development of specific First Nations curriculum featuring the history of traditional uses in cooperation with local band leadership
- education programs for First Nations youth including material in their own languages
- showcasing the value of MPAâs with custom live web casts for DFO events and conferences
- assisting in maintaining and enhancing vital community relationships
- ongoing involvement in the Race Rocks Advisory Board
Why is the need for Race Rocks funding special?
Race Rocks is a unique Provincial asset with specific circumstances that qualify it to be deserving of a special funding allocation designated at the Ministerial level.
Race Rocks is:
- an internationally recognized Marine Protected Area established jointly by the Federal and Provincial Governments.
- Canadaâs first and only Marine Protected Area and therefore success is essential if others are to follow.
- the Race Rocks Marine Education Centre has over $650,000 in physical building and equipment assets which clearly require security and routine maintenance.
- over $25 million worth of extremely marketable sea-life that has prospered under 20 years of protection would be subject to immediate poaching without the presence of the resident eco-guardians.
- Race Rocks has the most comprehensive accumulation of scientific data of any protected site on the West Coast. The continuous data chain, some of which dates back to 1926 must be sustained.
- Race Rocks, through award winning web based education programming, is recognized as a word leader in environmental monitoring and education delivery.
- partnerships with educational institutions such as schools, museums, science centres, and Ministries of Education provide direct benefit to Canadians.
- the funding formula proposed is in accordance with recommendations of the Race Rocks Advisory Board and the intent of the MPA strategy.
- DFO investment in Race Rocks will be directly matched at a two to one ratio by other independent funding sources.
- when gift in kind contributions from our other sponsors are considered the ratio of private contribution is over ten times the DFO contribution level.
- the involvement of DFO assures the project of stable funding. The lack of involvement by DFO will lead to immediate financial collapse.
Financial Proposal
The following operational budget provides details of projected minimum operational expenses at Race Rocks for the period April 1, 2001 to March 31, 2002. The budget is based on our four years of experience in funding the Race Rocks project and the highly efficient operational format we have established. Pearson College guarantees to cover any cost over runs if they should occur.
It is proposed that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, BC Parks, and Pearson College each contribute $50,000 to cover the 2001-2002 operating budget.
|
Race Rocks MPA/ER
|
|
|
Operating Budget April 1, 2001 to March 31, 2002
|
|
|
Salaries
|
|
|
Eco-guardian(s)
|
42,000
|
|
Educator (1/2 time)
|
30,000
|
|
Shoreside support (1/3 time)
|
14,000
|
|
Benefits
|
9,460
|
|
95,460
|
|
|
Fuel
|
|
|
Generator
|
11,000
|
|
Heating
|
1,400
|
|
Boat
|
1,750
|
|
Lube/oils
|
2,000
|
|
16,150
|
|
|
Maintenance
|
|
|
Buildings
|
6,000
|
|
Generators
|
4,300
|
|
Water pumps
|
2,100
|
|
Desalinator
|
2,200
|
|
Winches
|
800
|
|
Boat and motor
|
4,700
|
|
Jetty
|
400
|
|
Fuel system
|
450
|
|
Radios
|
200
|
|
Diving equipment
|
2,500
|
|
23,650
|
|
|
Administration Costs
|
|
|
Phone
|
600
|
|
Insurance
|
1,800
|
|
Stationery/printing
|
1,150
|
|
3,550
|
|
|
Education Program
|
|
|
Classroom materials
|
4,500
|
|
Communication/outreach programs
|
2,500
|
|
First Nations’ program
|
5,000
|
|
Internet access
|
2,000
|
|
14,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenditures
|
$152,810
|
Pearson College is a registered charity and as such is subject to an annual audit. Our auditors KPMG will provide fully audited accounting details of all Race Rocks expenditures to the partner agencies. In addition the College will file an annual operating report with DFO.
Conclusion
We had not expected to operate the facility on an interim basis without any financial support from any government for the past four years. Our donors are experiencing fatigue and our largest private financial supporter has indicated their continued support is conditional upon governments entering into this cost sharing formula. A similar proposal has been forwarded to the Provincial Government. Race Rocks is an essential investment by DFO, a cost effective arrangement, a unique innovation in the field of environmental protection and education and a proud accomplishment for all Canadians. We ask that you agree to support the Race Rocks Marine Protected Area as it begins a new life.
Respectfully submitted,
Angus Matthews
Director of Special Projects
Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific
650 Pearson College Drive
Victoria, BC
Great Race Rock Added to Ecological Reserve
The Esquimalt-Metchosin MLA Moe Sihota went out to the Ecological Reserve with Garry and Angus to declare the island part of Great Race Rock an addition to the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve. This 1.5 ha land had been excluded from the ER in 1980, and is now part of the Reserve. A small parcel of land around the tower, foghorn and solar panels is still leased by the Coastguard.
Summary Final Report on the Environmental Monitoring Related to the Tidal Current Energy Project at Race Rocks
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING RELATED TO THE PEARSON COLLEGE-ENCANA-CLEAN CURRENT TIDAL POWER DEMONSTRATION PROJECT AT RACE ROCKS ECOLOGICAL RESERVE FINAL REPORT DECEMBER 2006
Prepared for:
Chris Blondeau
Seafront Manager/Operations Manager racerocks.com
Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific
650 Pearson College Drive
Victoria, BC V9C 4H7
- Prepared by: Pam Thuringer M.Sc., R.P.Bio. and Rhonda Reidy, B.Sc. Archipelago Marine Research Ltd. 525 Head Street Victoria, BC V9A 5S1
See the complete PDF archipel-final-report
Installation of Sensor Bar underwater at Race Rocks
In this video, the diving students of Lester Pearson College brave several cold hours in the water to bolt down the 5 meter aluminum sensor bar in 8 meters of water off the docks at Race Rocks. Faculty members Garry Fletcher and Chris Blondeau join them to help install the first three sensors.
The orange rope previously installed in the 3 inch conduit is attached to the top end of the sensor cables. These cables are pulled through the buried conduit from the installation location in the ocean, up to the top of the docks where they connect with the instrumentation to allow the data eventually to be made available on-line. The sensors are brought down by a diver and fitted to the bar as the cable gets pulled through. Next the crew straps the sensors and their electrical terminal boxes to the bar. The hydrophone points upwards, the other two sensors, for chlorophyll and turbidity point down. A special thanks is due to our video expert Jean-Olivier Dalphond for enduring almost three hours in the 8 degree Celsius water to video the process.
Witnessing the Wonders of the Race Rock Ecosystem
Witnessing the Wonders of the Race Rock Eco-system … Only a Click Away!
Magazine article By Simon, Jeremy
Teach , November/December 2000
Just into range of the first camera, a large elephant seal crawls across the rock towards a group of smaller female seals near the top of the middle island at Race Rocks. Unbeknownst to the seal, he’s being watched not only by the student operating the camera but by hundreds of students from across British Columbia, and possibly more people from around the world via the Internet.
“The Racerocks.com Project is a unique project organized and run by Pearson College in Victoria, British Columbia,” said Garry Fletcher, educational director of racerocks.com. “Our project uses the latest technology to full advantage to create a dynamic, educational web experience of an extraordinary marine ecosystem at Race Rocks, Canada’s most southerly point in the Pacific,”
Since 1980, Race Rocks has been an ecological reserve and is internationally recognized as a Marine Protected Area. Located in the Strait of Juan de Fuca between Vancouver Island and Washington State, the small rocky outcrops of Rock Rocks is home to a diversity of marine and wild life such as seals, otters, sea lions, cormorants, gulls, and sea urchins. To learn about and better understand the ecology of the area, students from Pearson College use the latest technology as part of their studies.
One of ten United World Colleges, Pearson College has over 200 students from around the world enrolled in the two year International Baccalaureate program. As a faculty member of Environmental Systems and Biology, Garry Fletcher and his students are responsible for creating and maintaining the content of the web site.
The project is supported by various partners including The LGS Group, an IT consulting firm that provides project management and web design services. Another project partner is Telus, a leading telecommunications company, which has contributed the equipment, bandwidth and expertise to assure high-speed delivery of the web content. Several alumni of the college have assisted with the networking and Database work, and the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, has committed expertise and significant funding to the project. B.C. Parks and the Millennium Partnership Fund are also key partners.
Apple’s affiliation to the racerocks.com project has been in providing some equipment and mostly technical support. The project uses Apple technology extensively and runs an Apple PowerMac G4 500 mgHz with Mac OS X Server as one of its web servers. Apple Canada has recently become a partner in the program providing a G3 Powerbook 500 mghz for the wireless webcasts from the intertidal and subtidal areas. A host of PC and Apple PowerMac computers are also used for capture of live video feeds being broadcast from the islands. Currently a series of environmental sensors are being installed, above and below water. Data from these will soon be accessible through an Oracle database. Video and Audio streaming is broadcast 24 hours daily using QuickTime Streaming Server software and generated by Sorenson Broadcaster software running on Macintosh Imacs.
Operated by students, as many as seven digital cameras and various data sensors, both above and under water, record what is occurring at Race Rocks and then broadcast the feeds during live video and audio events scheduled over a number of days.
Recently, the project has begun to use Apple’s wireless Airport technology, which enables students to roam the island with an Apple PowerBook G3 linked to the underwater or on shore cameras. The signal is linked to the project’s Local Area Network on the island, which is connected to the College by a compressed, microwave radio link, being transmitted on top of the Race Rocks lighthouse tower. At the College, the signal is decompressed and sent out over the internet.
“A key goal of the project is to encourage teachers to create internet-based curriculum, which will enable their students to have a fully engaging experience learning about the unique ecology of Race Rocks,” said Fletcher. ” As an example, we just recently supported a number of schools across B.C. to connect to our web site during one of our many scheduled live video streaming events. A team of students helped in providing two weeks of programming from above and below the water to schools via the internet. We hope to encourage other schools to take on similar projects and “Adopt a Sensitive Ecosystem” so that they can also share ecological information. These schools’ students were able to talk directly to our College’s underwater student divers and ask questions about what they were seeing being broadcast live via the web site.”
As the racerocks.com project continues to broaden its use of its technology, more creative and innovative programs will be planned to help the College’s students study the diversity of the Race Rock outcrops and share their findings with other students in Canada and around the world.
To check out how the large elephant seal is doing and learn more about Race Rocks, you can visit the web site at www.racerocks.com.
MPA Update: Race Rocks to Become Canada’s First Official MPA
News
Submitted by MPA News staff on 15 October 2000.
MPA News Volume/Issue:
On September 14, Canada’s minister of fisheries and oceans endorsed a plan that will make the waters surrounding Race Rocks, a small nine-islet archipelago, the first official marine protected area in Canada. Commercial fishing and most sport fishing will be off-limits in the MPA, which will measure a little less than one square mile, or 2.6 sq. km, in area. Race Rocks is located on the southernmost end of the nation’s Pacific coast (MPA News 1:8).
Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) designated Race Rocks in 1998 as one of several “pilot MPAs”, part of a strategy to determine whether those areas should be formally designated as MPAs and how they could best be managed (MPA News 1:1).
Submitted by MPA News staff on 15 September 1999.
MPA News Volume/Issue:
Building an ambitious national MPA program from the ground up, Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has established six “pilot MPAs” in the past year and has plans for more soon. With an adaptive approach that emphasizes scientific research and the testing of protection strategies, DFO seeks to “learn by doing”: through its pilots, it will determine whether the areas should be formally designated as MPAs and how they can best be managed, say officials.
DFO assumed responsibility for coordinating the nation’s marine protected area programs in 1997 with the launch of Canada’s Oceans Act, and it has moved quickly since then to set aside coastal and deepwater sites. Four pilot MPAs now exist on the West Coast (Race Rocks, Gabriola Passage, Endeavor Hot Vents, and Bowie Seamount) and two off the Maritimes on the East Coast (Basin Head and Sable Gully). Of these six, Basin Head is the newest, announced in June. DFO officials in Newfoundland, Quebec, and Canada’s Arctic are expected to announce pilot MPAs in their respective areas in the coming year or two. Draft management plans for the existing pilot MPAs could be ready by early next year.
Race Rocks Permit Application
The ecological reserve of Race Rocks is a transition zone between the inner coastal waters of Pedder Bay and the open Pacific Ocean. Due to this unique geographical location, it is home to an exceptional variety of marine life. This provides many unique opportunities for research or filming to be carried out on the reserve. However, it also means that the environmental impact of such activities on the ecosystem of Race Rocks must be carefully considered to ensure the sustainability of the biodiversity that is present here.
Therefore, the questions in this application form have been designed to find out the precise objectives and procedures of the proposed project and the anticipated environmental impact on Race Rocks. In addition to this, the opportunity to live on Race Rocks whilst carrying out research means that details are required by Lester B. Pearson College in order to arrange this for you.
Preservation of ecological values is the ultimate management priority and in the event of conflict, these values take precedence over the provision of research facilities. This permit must be returned to the Race Rocks Operating Committee for preliminary approval. A copy will forwarded to the Ecological Reserve Branch for final approval.
See the Regulations for Using the Race Rocks Marine Research Centre
and the Operational Guidelines
If you require the use of the Light Tower, arrangements must be made directly with the Canadian Coast Guard Office in Victoria.
BASIC INFORMATION: (Type directly in the spaces provided)
(1) Individual(s) surname(s) First names
(2) Company/Society name
(3) Major shareholders or principals. Attach names and addresses.
(4) Company inc.no/Society no.
(5) Company/Society mailing address
(6) Business phone
Home phone
Fax
URL of your Web Site if available
(7) BC parks requires minimum public liability insurance coverage of $ 1,000,000. Will you be able to obtain this?
Yes No
(8) If paid employees are employed on site as part of your project please
provide proof of BC Worker’s Compensation coverage or suitable
substitute insurance.
Worker’s Comp #
DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY
(9) Area of research
Please fax a map detailing the area(s) where you will be carrying out the research.
(10) Detailed plan of research:
A) Study Overview and Rationale. ( briefly describe the project and what you are trying to achieve).
B) Objectives ( briefly state the objectives of the project)
C) Methodology:
D) End Products: What are the end products of the research? Please be aware that final copies of reports must be made available in electronic form to the Race Rocks Operating Committee. Copies of slides, pictures, raw footage, videos produced etc.. must be made available to the Race Rocks Archive in the Lester Pearson College Library.
(11) Please detail your experience and involvement in the Race Rocks area.
(12) Please indicate the dates that you wish to carry out the research.
(13) Do you plan to stay at Race Rocks for this time? (See description of accommodation, and book the facility with the operating committee well in advance of the intended visit.)
(14) We require a component of Lester Pearson College student involvement for projects done on the reserve. Please indicate below how you aim to do this?
Will staff or students require specialized training or certification for this research? If so, describe.
(15) Will the proposed project require construction of any temporary or permanent structures on Race Rocks? Describe including proposed location.
(16) Do you propose to use any existing facilities at Race Rocks?
(e.g. docks, tanks etc..)
(17) What assistance for transportation ( include times and dates) will be needed.
(18) Will the proposed research project affect or restrict other visitors coming to Race Rocks? Describe.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
(19) What do you anticipate to be the environmental impact of the research under the following categories? Indicate how you intend to mitigate this impact.
A. Physical/Chemical
land, water, noise,
B. Ecological
habitat, species and populations
(20) Additional Comments
PLEASE SAVE THIS FORM TO YOUR COMPUTER
YOU MAY IT FAX TO : 250-391-2412
or e-mail as an attachment to: The Race Rocks Operating Committee
A copy will be forwarded by us to the Ecological Reserves Office. Receipt of the application will be acknowledged by e-mail.
The Original version of this permit was created by members of the Pearson College Environmental Systems class, March, 1997 Leah Gray, Kata Meszaros, Iro Tikkanen