Category Archives: ER Warden Report

Archive of Salmon Enhancement at Pearson College

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Small streams in British Columbia provide habitat for spawning salmon in October. The salmon continue to play a role in the ecosystem after spawning,providing nutrient for gulls, eagles and bears, as well as a whole web of invertebrate fauna and decomposers in the streams and estuaries.

THE PEARSON COLLEGE SALMON  ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM: 1984– For several years after 1984

Near Lester Pearson College is a small stream running into Pedder Bay. During the rainy season, from October to May it produces enough run-off to operate an incubation chamber. Several years ago, we built a concrete chamber beside this stream. In it we incubate up to 20,000 salmon eggs a year.  In order to get fertilized eggs for the enhancement work, students from Lester Pearson College work with the federal fisheries enhancement program, either by catching salmon in a nearby productive salmon stream. , or getting them from another hatchery.
Extraction of sperm and eggs from the salmon follows.Once the eggs are fertilized, they are counted and placed in incubation trays.The students of the environmental systems class study the estuary, the stream and the incubation box as a set of inter-connected systems.

We work with Chum Salmon as they are mainly destined to help provide food for the marine mammal and bird populations around the southern end of Vancouver island and Race Rocks

SOOKE RIVER SALMON ENHANCEMENT

Along the coast of British Columbia, the return of mature salmon to spawn in small creeks and rivers, is an annual spectacle. In October, Jochen from Germany and Ivan from Panama, (Pearson College students in CoastWatch), were able to assist members of the Sooke River Salmon Enhancement Society with the capture of spawning chinook salmon .

On several weekends in October, a large net is deployed at the Sooke River Potholes by a number of volunteers from the Sooke community. Under the supervision of the Fisheries Department, salmon are removed for eggs that will be incubated in the Sooke River Fish Hatchery. In the spring of the year the juvenile salmon are released to begin their 3-4 year journey in the Pacific before returning the Sooke River to spawn again.

 

 

The salmon enhancement program at the college was co-ordinated by faculty member Sylvia Roach . Photos have been contributed by S.Roach, Jan Schaffner and G.Fletcher.

Basic financial support for the program and technical assistance has been made available by the Salmonid Enhancement Program , funded by the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

 

Diving Service 1984? in Ubatuba

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Ximena Van Gelder posted this image of the members of the Diving  Service( and a few others)  in what I think must have been 1984, since I see year 9s and 10s there, and I have numbered all 30 of us. but Ximena says year 8 ??   So anyway I hope to be able to put a name to every person.. tell me if I miss-labelled someone.. . Some of the images are a bit obscure but I am sure someone will recognize them . Email me if you can help fill in the blanks, correct spelling and include last names.
email: garryf then use the @ sign and then gmail.com (will that confuse the bots??) 

  1. Garry Fletcher
  2. David Obura
  3. *..
  4. *.
  5. Tama Vercoe
  6. Peter McDowell
  7. ..
  8. ..
  9. Mary Stockdale
  10. Hinrich Kaiser
  11. Bartolomeo Migone
  12. Mike Hobbis
  13. Marina Quadrado
  14. Beatriz Ram
  15. ..
  16. Daniela Toriola
  17. Virginie Magnat
  18. ..
  19. Gillian P
  20. ..
  21. Zouzzi (Joseph) Mbuyi
  22. ..
  23. Alison VanRooy
  24. Wilbur Velarde
  26. Marcus Frank
  27. Ximena Van Gelder
  29. Carla Barragan
  30. Jochen Kuum

And this all leaves me with the question ..whatever happened to Diving Service and it reminds me to thank all of you who participated in it so enthusiastically for the many years it was so successfully afloat.  GF

 

Wawa and Pearson College Students

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These pictures were taken in the fall of 1982 when Trev and Flo Anderson visited the college after their retirement as lightkeepers at Race Rocks where they had built and launched this boat in the spring of 1982. Many students were able to have a sail with them that autumn before as Trev and Flo were practicing for their trip across the Pacific in the coming year.

wawa2

 

wawa1wawa1

History of The Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

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In the fall of 1978, a small group of students of Lester B. Pearson College who were in marine science and diving, together with their teachers, Garry Fletcher and Marks McAvity and with the urging of the light keepers at Race Rocks, Trev and Flo Anderson, set about the task of seeking some form of permanent protection for the underwater and above water ecosystem at Race Rocks. The director of Parks for the Province of British Columbia, Tom Lee recommended that our concerns might be met by seeking Ecological Reserve Status for the area. He gave us the name of Dr. Bristol Foster who was then head of the Ecological Reserve Unit of the Ministry of Lands, Parks and Housing and we invited him to come out to dive with us at Race Rocks. Bristol was as impressed as we were with what he saw underwater and he urged us to set in motion the process that could lead to the creation of a marine ecological reserve for the area. Ecological Reserves had been started in B.C. only a few years earlier. They were created in order to preserve unique or representative ecosystems in the province that could serve for research and education and serve as baselines for monitoring ecological change with the encroachment of humans into natural areas.

Our aim initially was to do as many scuba dives as possible covering the area around Race Rocks and document the life forms there. We also set as a goal the researching of as many aspects of the area as we could. We were able to invite Dr. Paul Breen from the Pacific Biological Station to dive with us and provide a letter of support about the richness of the species diversity at Race Rocks. Our ultimate aim was to host a workshop at Pearson College that would present our information to the B.C. government in order to urge them to get reserve status for the area.

In February of 1979 a highly successful workshop took place, and the officials invited from the Provincial Museum, the University of Victoria, and the Ministry of Parks were all enthusiastic and supportive of our proposal. (The research presented then is included in the Race Rocks Archives at Pearson College Library, as is other information following the process of creating the reserve and the follow-up involvement of the college since that time.) This link details the program of that workshop. Over the next year we worked at the task of formalizing our proposal, presenting it to cabinet and lobbying to get action. Two students in diving and marine science, Johan Ashuvud from Sweden and Jens Jensen from Denmark were especially relentless in their pursuit of our goal. The proposal had to clear 11 agencies in the government bureaucracy and the cabinet before the Reserve could be proclaimed. These two students invited the Deputy Minister of Parks out to dive and then kept following it up with phone calls, even after hours! Their persistence finally paid off when after a year, the shortest time any reserve proposal has ever taken, the Minister of Parks was able to request Prince Charles on his visit to the college as international board president (April 1980) to make the formal announcement proclaiming Race Rocks the 97th Provincial Ecological Reserve.

The role of the college didn’t cease then. We had volunteered to take an active role in the stewardship of the ecological reserve so in the fall of that year a current meter was obtained from The Institute of Ocean Sciences to obtain data that would form the basis of the Race Passage Tables in the Canadian Tides and Currents Book. Garry Fletcher was appointed the Volunteer Warden of the reserve, to be assisted by the students and staff of Pearson College. Dr. Theo Dombrowski , a faculty member of the English Department at Pearson has also been instrumental in helping the students to further their ecological work on the reserve. We assisted Robin Baird of the Biology Department , Simon Fraser University to install a hydrophone for his research on marine mammals, and we installed baseline transect reference pegs in 14 locations around the main island. We continue to add to our data on intertidal and subtidal transects.

In 1986 we started our association with Dr. Anita Brinkmann-Voss, collecting specimens and providing her with transport to the island for her work on hydroids. Her work has resulted in the identification of over 60 species of hydroid in the reserve and the naming of a new species from the reserve, with others pending further work for possible new species status, along with many new records for North America. To date nine extended essays in Biology or Environmental Systems have been done at Race Rocks by Pearson College students. Over 800 students of Biology, Marine Science or Environmental Systems have done field trips to Race Rocks for the study of intertidal transect technique, tidepool study, or synecological studies. One student also put together a herbarium collection of the marine algae from the reserve. We have been able to conduct guided ecology tours for over 150 grade seven students from the local community each year since the mid nineteen eighties. In the spring of most years we also host a tour of the reserve for the Friends of Ecological Reserves from Victoria. In 1990 we were able to secure an added measure of protection for all ground fish in the reserve by petitioning for and being granted a closure on all commercial fishing and sports fishing except for migratory salmon and Halibut. This was the first such closure of any marine reserve area on this coast that has been granted by federal fisheries.

In the fall of 1992 we assisted the Royal British Columbia Museum in the live production of 24 one hour television shows from the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve. These involved 13 of our divers as well as several faculty for this first Canadian Underwater Safari production. These ecology programs were broadcast live by satellite to down-link sites in Eastern and Western Canada and in the Eastern US. Since that time they have been re -broadcast by cable stations throughout the country. It has been estimated that they have been seen by at least 2 million viewers.

ertransfer1In 2001, Great Race Rocks was added to the Ecological Reserve.  Only the envelope of land around the tower was excluded as it was now part of a renewed lease with DFO after they had given up the lease for the entire island.

 

 

 

See ECOLOGICAL RESERVE REFERENCES

Garry Fletcher, 1996
Lester B. Pearson College
Faculty in Biology, Environmental Systems and SCUBA Diving.

 

Divers at Race Rocks

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While doing the many dives to document the underwater life at Race Rocks for the proposed Ecological Reserve, the Lester Pearson College divers were hosted royally by Trevor and Flo Anderson. On this particular day, after enjoying a hot drink, Flo took this picture of us as we were mopping up the saltwater that our wetsuits had left on the floor as we left Flo’s kitchen. From Left to right: Garry Fletcher, Rick Hengle, Pam Glover, Hans Thon diversonfloor

1979 Race Rocks Ecological Reserve Proposal –

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1979 Race Rocks Ecological Reserve Proposal –
Abstract:

Lester B. Pearson College
On April 21, 1979, a proposal for an Ecological Reserve at Race Rocks was presented to the Ecological Reserves Branch of the Ministry of the Environment by the students of the diving service and the marine science class at Lester B. Pearson College. The proposal recommended that the reserve should be comprised of the islands and the surrounding subtidal area to a depth of 25 fathoms. The central island, Great Race Rock, could be excluded because of the Coast Guard facilities there, but it was recommended that a request should be made to the Coast Guard to consider its inclusion as well.
–
The proposal outlined the use that has been made of the area in the past, and the present use being made of the area by Pearson College. It was pointed out that the proposal is quite consistent with the purposes of reserves, as stated in the Ecological Reserves Act of British Columbia.

It was emphasized that the uniqueness of the area for its subtidal life and the ever-increasing pressures on the area from divers made the need for protection most urgent.

Included in the report were the results of several investigations on physical and biological conditions carried out by the students. Throughout the report, examples were referred to of how Pearson College might continue to contribute to the reserve in terms of making information available to help in the educational task in reserve maintenance. It was felt that the role of “steward” for the college could be appropriate.
Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific
R.R. 1, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8X 3W9 Telephone (250) 391-2441

College du Pacifique Lester B. Pearson
Route rurale 1, Victoria, Colombie- Britannique, Canada V8X 3W9 telephone (250) 391-2441

-1979Workshop on The Race Rocks Ecological Reserve Proposal

Saturday, April 21.7 1979, 10:30 a.m. at Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific

Chairman: Garry Fletcher, Marine Science Department

The objective of the workshop is to present and discuss a proposal from the students in the diving service and marine science classes that recommends the establishment of the Race Rocks area as an Ecological Reserve.

Program
10:30 – 12:00 – Presentation of the. proposal by the students of the diving service,
12:00 – 1:00 – Lunch, cafeteria

1:00 – 2:00 – Slide presentation Brent Cooke, Provincial Museum, Victoria

2:00 – 3:30 – A discussion on the unique organisms of Race Rocks and the Ecological Reserve Concept, with the following resource people:
Wayne Campbell, Vertebrate -Zoology, Provincial Museum, Dr. D. Ellis, Biology Department, University of Victoria, Dr. Hans Romer, Ecological Reserves Branch, British Columbia Land Service, Ministry of the Environment
3:30 – 4:00 – Coffee, cafeteria

4:00 – 6:00 – Conclusions and Optional Tour of Race Rocks
CONTENTS PAGE

Part A Introduction to the proposal for an Ecological Reserve at Race Rocks 1
Part B Delimitation and Description of the Proposed Ecological Reserve 3
Part C -The Use Made of Race Rocks by Pearson College in the Past. 5
Part D 1978 – 79 Projects at Race Rocks 6
  Birds and Mammals of the Islands 21
  Species Check-list of Race Rocks 14
  Bottom Profiles using Sonar 29
  Physical Factors at Race Rocks 30
Part E The Role of Pearson College in Assisting the Maintenance of an Ecological Reserve. 34
Part F Future Projects at Race Rocks. 35
Part G Our Concerns for the Future of the Race Rocks Area 37
References   38
Appendix 1 Letter from Dr. Paul Breen, Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo 39
Appendix 2 Race Rocks Project, October, 1978 41
Appendix 3  

-List of Plates

1. Great Race Rocks as it was in 1970 i
2. Gorgonocephalus eucnemis iv
3. Epiactus prolifera 15
4. colonia ascidians 15
5. Balanophyllia sp. 19
6. Sponge 19
7. Steller’s Sea Lion 22
8. Killer whale near Race Rocks 27

-LIST OF FIGURES  

Figure Description Page
1 Map of Race Rocks in Relation to Victoria 3
2 Proposed Ecological Reserve: Race Rocks 4
3 Locations of Species Maps 7
4 Key to Species Maps 8
5 Map of Area 1 9
6 Map of Area 2 10
7 Map of Area 3 11
8 Map of Area 4 12
9 Map of Area 5 13
10 Individual dive paths 13a
11 Checklist of species verified from our Race Rocks Dives 16
12 Vertical Section of one location of Great Race Rock 20
13 Island Numbers for the Location of the Bird Colonies 23
14 Total Number of Breeding Pairs at Race Rocks 1974-1975 23
15 Race Rocks, July 4th, 1974 No. of Nests 23
16 Race Rocks, July 4th, 1974 No. of Eggs 24
17 Race Rocks, July 14th, 1974 No. of Young 24
18 Race Rocks, July 14th, 1974 No. of Nests 24
19 Race Rocks, July 21st, 1974 No. of 25
20 Distribution of Sea Lions at Race Rocks 1977 25
21a Rosedale Rock to Lighthouse Depth Sounding (bearing 335 magnetic 29
21b Rosedale Rock towards most easterly island in Race Rocks group depth sounding (bearing of 358 magnetic) 29
22 Map of Sonar Profiles 28
23 Current direction on ebb tide 31
24 Current direction on flood tide 32
25 Temperature graph 1974, 1976 and 1948-57 33

page 1–

PART A. INTRODUCTION TO THE PROPOSAL FOR AN ECOLOGICAL RESERVE AT RACE ROCKS.
The students and teachers of the marine science and diving classes of Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific recommend that the Government of British Columbia establish, under the Ecological Reserves Act of 1971, an Ecological Reserve in the area of Race Rocks near Victoria, British Columbia.
To be included in the reserve would be the islands and the surrounding subtidal area to a depth of 25 fathoms. It is appreciated that an exemption may be allowed for the land above the high tide level on the main island , Great Race Rock, as this is presently used as a light station by the Canadian Coast Guard.

This proposal outlines the use that has been made of the area by the college for educational purposes, and the plans for the future educational projects that can be carried out in the area.

The proposal is consistent with several of the purposes as stated in the Ecological Reserves Act.
“…. to reserve Crown land for ecological purposes, including:

  • –(a) areas suitable for scientific research and educational purposes associated with studies in productivity and other aspects of the natural environment;
  • –(b) areas that are representative examples of natural ecosystems within the province . ….
  • –(c) areas that contain unique and rare examples of botanical, zoological or geological phenomena.”

–Part C of this report outlines the use made of Race Rocks by Pearson College marine science and diving students in the past few years. In addition, Part F outlines some of the potential of the area for future ecological studies that are observational in character.
The uniqueness of this area has been documented by Dr. Paul Breen of the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo (see appendix 1) and by James M. Goddard in a report to the National Parks Branch in 1975:
“The unique feature at Race Rocks is the subtidal flora and fauna inhabiting the high current velocity channels.” (2)
3 The interest shown by diving photographers recently is also well known. (3) Recently, the National Geographic Society has been in the process of preparing’a feature article on underwater life at Race Rocks; this also attests to the uniqueness of the area. page2 As far as being a representative example of natural ecosystems within the province, the area also has merit. It is moreover one of the high current ecosystem areas that has proximity to a population centre and therefore receives more pressure from the public. –
It is to be hoped that the acceptance of this proposal will enable the preservation of this area for educational and research purposes, as well as for controlled recreational use by the public.
In recent communication with the Coast Guard, evidence has been obtained that could suggest that they would be willing to accept the Ecological Reserve being extended to include the main island, Great Race Rock.
We would highly encourage this, as it would be a more appropriate recognition of the close ecological links of the bird colonies on that island and the rich life in the surrounding area.

    • –We have been advised by Mr. Tom Kew, the Regional Manager for Aids and Waterways in the Vancouver office of the Canadian Coast Guard, that the provincial government could send a letter requesting that the main island should be included in the Ecological Reserve.
    • –He has indicated that he would see no problem with this as long as it did not interfere with the operation of the light station and foghorn. He suggested that the letter be sent to:
  • –Mr. Larry Slaght
  • –District Manager
  • –Department of Transport
  • –1405 Douglas Street
  • –Victoria, B.C.
  • -V8W 2G3

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve Proposal 1979

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Abstract: Race Rocks Ecological Reserve Proposal –
Lester B. Pearson College
On April 21, 1979, a proposal for an Ecological Reserve at Race Rocks was presented to the Ecological Reserves Branch of the Ministry of the Environment by the students of the diving service and the marine science class at Lester B. Pearson College. The proposal recommended that the reserve should be comprised of the islands and the surrounding subtidal area to a depth of 25 fathoms. The central island, Great Race Rock, could be excluded because of the Coast Guard facilities there, but it was recommended that a request should be made to the Coast Guard to consider its inclusion as well.
–
The proposal outlined the use that has been made of the area in the past, and the present use being made of the area by Pearson College. It was pointed out that the proposal is quite consistent with the purposes of reserves, as stated in the Ecological Reserves Act of British Columbia.

It was emphasized that the uniqueness of the area for its subtidal life and the ever-increasing pressures on the area from divers made the need for protection most urgent.

Included in the report were the results of several investigations on physical and biological conditions carried out by the students. Throughout the report, examples were referred to of how Pearson College might continue to contribute to the reserve in terms of making information available to help in the educational task in reserve maintenance. It was felt that the role of “steward” for the college could be appropriate.
Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific
R.R. 1, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8X 3W9 Telephone (250) 391-2441

College du Pacifique Lester B. Pearson
Route rurale 1, Victoria, Colombie- Britannique, Canada V8X 3W9 telephone (250) 391-2441

–Workshop on The Race Rocks Ecological Reserve Proposal Saturday, April 21.7 1979, 10:30 a.m. at Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific

Chairman: Garry Fletcher, Marine Science Department

The objective of the workshop is to present and discuss a proposal from the students in the diving service and marine science classes that recommends the establishment of the Race Rocks area as an Ecological Reserve.

Program

10:30 – 12:00 – Presentation of the. proposal by the students of the diving service,
12:00 – 1:00 – Lunch, cafeteria

1:00 – 2:00 – Slide presentation Brent Cooke, Provincial Museum, Victoria

2:00 – 3:30 – A discussion on the unique organisms of Race Rocks and the Ecological Reserve Concept, with the following resource people:
Wayne Campbell, Vertebrate -Zoology, Provincial Museum, Dr. D. Ellis, Biology Department, University of Victoria, Dr. Hans Romer, Ecological Reserves Branch, British Columbia Land Service, Ministry of the Environment
3:30 – 4:00 – Coffee, cafeteria

4:00 – 6:00 – Conclusions and Optional Tour of Race Rocks
CONTENTS PAGE

Part A Introduction to the proposal for an Ecological Reserve at Race Rocks 1
Part B Delimitation and Description of the Proposed Ecological Reserve 3
Part C -The Use Made of Race Rocks by Pearson College in the Past. 5
Part D 1978 – 79 Projects at Race Rocks 6
  Birds and Mammals of the Islands 21
  Species Check-list of Race Rocks 14
  Bottom Profiles using Sonar 29
  Physical Factors at Race Rocks 30
Part E The Role of Pearson College in Assisting the Maintenance of an Ecological Reserve. 34
Part F Future Projects at Race Rocks. 35
Part G Our Concerns for the Future of the Race Rocks Area 37
References   38
Appendix 1 Letter from Dr. Paul Breen, Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo 39
Appendix 2 Race Rocks Project, October, 1978 41
Appendix 3  

-List of Plates

1. Great Race Rocks as it was in 1970 i
2. Gorgonocephalus eucnemis iv
3. Epiactus prolifera 15
4. colonia ascidians 15
5. Balanophyllia sp. 19
6. Sponge 19
7. Steller’s Sea Lion 22
8. Killer whale near Race Rocks 27

-LIST OF FIGURES  

Figure Description Page
1 Map of Race Rocks in Relation to Victoria 3
2 Proposed Ecological Reserve: Race Rocks 4
3 Locations of Species Maps 7
4 Key to Species Maps 8
5 Map of Area 1 9
6 Map of Area 2 10
7 Map of Area 3 11
8 Map of Area 4 12
9 Map of Area 5 13
10 Individual dive paths 13a
11 Checklist of species verified from our Race Rocks Dives 16
12 Vertical Section of one location of Great Race Rock 20
13 Island Numbers for the Location of the Bird Colonies 23
14 Total Number of Breeding Pairs at Race Rocks 1974-1975 23
15 Race Rocks, July 4th, 1974 No. of Nests 23
16 Race Rocks, July 4th, 1974 No. of Eggs 24
17 Race Rocks, July 14th, 1974 No. of Young 24
18 Race Rocks, July 14th, 1974 No. of Nests 24
19 Race Rocks, July 21st, 1974 No. of 25
20 Distribution of Sea Lions at Race Rocks 1977 25
21a Rosedale Rock to Lighthouse Depth Sounding (bearing 335 magnetic 29
21b Rosedale Rock towards most easterly island in Race Rocks group depth sounding (bearing of 358 magnetic) 29
22 Map of Sonar Profiles 28
23 Current direction on ebb tide 31
24 Current direction on flood tide 32
25 Temperature graph 1974, 1976 and 1948-57 33

page 1–

PART A. INTRODUCTION TO THE PROPOSAL FOR AN ECOLOGICAL RESERVE AT RACE ROCKS.

The students and teachers of the marine science and diving classes of Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific recommend that the Government of British Columbia establish, under the Ecological Reserves Act of 1971, an Ecological Reserve in the area of Race Rocks near Victoria, British Columbia.

To be included in the reserve would be the islands and the surrounding subtidal area to a depth of 25 fathoms. It is appreciated that an exemption may be allowed for the land above the high tide level on the main island , Great Race Rock, as this is presently used as a light station by the Canadian Coast Guard.

This proposal outlines the use that has been made of the area by the college for educational purposes, and the plans for the future educational projects that can be carried out in the area.

The proposal is consistent with several of the purposes as stated in the Ecological Reserves Act.
“…. to reserve Crown land for ecological purposes, including:

  • –(a) areas suitable for scientific research and educational purposes associated with studies in productivity and other aspects of the natural environment;
  • –(b) areas that are representative examples of natural ecosystems within the province . ….
  • –(c) areas that contain unique and rare examples of botanical, zoological or geological phenomena.”–


Part C of this report outlines the use made of Race Rocks by Pearson College marine science and diving students in the past few years. In addition, Part F outlines some of the potential of the area for future ecological studies that are observational in character.

The uniqueness of this area has been documented by Dr. Paul Breen of the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo (see appendix 1) and by James M. Goddard in a report to the National Parks Branch in 1975:

“The unique feature at Race Rocks is the subtidal flora and fauna inhabiting the high current velocity channels.” (2)
3 The interest shown by diving photographers recently is also well known. (3) Recently, the National Geographic Society has been in the process of preparing’a feature article on underwater life at Race Rocks; this also attests to the uniqueness of the area. page2 As far as being a representative example of natural ecosystems within the province, the area also has merit. It is moreover one of the high current ecosystem areas that has proximity to a population centre and therefore receives more pressure from the public. –

It is to be hoped that the acceptance of this proposal will enable the preservation of this area for educational and research purposes, as well as for controlled recreational use by the public.

In recent communication with the Coast Guard, evidence has been obtained that could suggest that they would be willing to accept the Ecological Reserve being extended to include the main island, Great Race Rock.

We would highly encourage this, as it would be a more appropriate recognition of the close ecological links of the bird colonies on that island and the rich life in the surrounding area.

 

    • –We have been advised by Mr. Tom Kew, the Regional Manager for Aids and Waterways in the Vancouver office of the Canadian Coast Guard, that the provincial government could send a letter requesting that the main island should be included in the Ecological Reserve.
    • –He has indicated that he would see no problem with this as long as it did not interfere with the operation of the light station and foghorn. He suggested that the letter be sent to:
  • –Mr. Larry Slaght
  • –District Manager
  • –Department of Transport
  • –1405 Douglas Street
  • –Victoria, B.C.
  • -V8W 2G3

Race Rocks Ecological Overview Index

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Ecological Reserve Proposal and Workshop – April 1979
Background Information of the role of Lester Pearson College in the Formation of the RR Ecological reserve
Proposal for Marine Protected Area at William Head
Long Term Monitoring Proposal- Jane Watson
Sampling Program – Jane Watson
Conserving Marine Ecosystems— from Biodiversity in British Columbia
Protected Areas Act of British Columbia
The Juan de Fuca Marine Park 1975
Race Rocks National Park – 1975

Thor Heyerdahl visits Race Rocks

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Not quite sure of the exact date for this visit but thought I would put it on in hopes that someone can narrow it down .

Thor Heyerdahl was on the Board of the United World Colleges when he made a visit to Lester Pearson College.  I remember two things he said on the way out to Race Rocks one was “why is it that whenever I visit  somewhere someone tries to get me on a boat”

Google Heyerdahl to dee other  famous quotes of this famous Norwegian Explorer.

As we approached North Rock on a heavy flood tide it appeared that the island was moving as we were going straight toward the lighthouse because we were being carried by the tide. He said that this was the reason that  The Galapagos Islands were called Las Islas Encantadas by early sailors who were maneuvering in the Humboldt Current.

thor_heyerdahl

Thor Heyerdahl on Ubatuba with a Norwegian Pearson College student on the way to Race Rocks.

Race Islands Showing proposed site for a Light House, on the Great Race Rock [cartographic material].

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Race Islands Showing proposed site for a Light House, on the Great Race Rock [cartographic material].

From:https://voyager.library.uvic.ca/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=988421

Bibliographic Record Display

  • Title:Race Islands Showing proposed site for a Light House, on the Great Race Rock [cartographic material].
  • Publication Statement:[Dublin, Ireland] : [Irish Academic Press], [1976]

  • Holdings Record Display

    • Location:Maps and GIS – map drawers
    • Call Number:G3512 R3 1859 R3 1976     Text me this call number.
    • Status:In Library
  • Subjects:Lighthouses–British Columbia–Race Rocks–Maps.
    Race Rocks (B.C.)–Maps.
  • Genre:Maps.
  • Other Author(s):Arrowsmith, John, 1790-1873.
    Irish Academic Press.
  • Description:Scale [ca. 1:18,745].
    1 map : color ; 18 x 30 cm
  • Notes:Depths shown by soundings.
    Facsimile.
    Publisher’s no. from its catalog of nineteenth century maps of Canada and North America from the British Parliamentary papers: 8.
  • Original Version Note:Original version: [London] : John Arrowsmith, Litho., 1859.