Spring 2022

March 14, 2022

Did you catch sight of the recent herring spawn in Vancouver Island’s coastal waters? The spawn is a sure-fire sign of the changing of seasons and a sight for sore eyes after a few colder, wetter months in the Clayoquot Biosphere Region. The frenzy of life occurring below the water’s surface appears to be mirrored on land amongst the residents and organizations of the region. There is so much to look forward to this spring on the west coast! Made more feasible by easing restrictions, several new and returning courses and events have been announced for the coming weeks. We can’t wait!

Bottom Dwellers Freediving Courses

Bottom Dwellers Freediving is hosting several courses this spring for divers of all skill and certification levels. Learn the basics during their Freedive Harvesting Online Academic Course, dive into the waters of Kennedy Lake and Clayoquot Sound during their PFI certified freediving courses or go all out and enjoy the bounty of your harvest with the Tide to Table Freedivers Package. Visit the NEST's Courses Page to find the best option for you.

Filmmaking for Outdoor Explorers

Raincoast Education Society is holding a Filmmaking Course this April for those interested in the intersection of outdoor exploration and videography. Science communicator and marine biologist Stefania Gorgopa will guide attendees on story development and the video creating, editing, and publishing process. Reserve your seat!

Lifesaving in Coastal Waters

There are several upcoming LifeSaving Society courses taking place in and on Tofino's beaches for those looking to certify, recertify, or simply increase their confidence in the chilly surf. Choose from Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross Surf Courses, OFA L1 First Aid, or re-certification courses this spring to ensure you’re ready for work this summer!

Researcher Interview Series

The arrival of spring also means that several excited youths will soon be graduating high school and making their way into the world! This is a great time to revisit the West Coast NEST’s Researcher Interview Series which follows high school students as they interview researchers of the Clayoquot Biosphere Region about their inspiring work and various career paths

Sustainable Development in the Clayoquot Biosphere Region

The West Coast NEST has been working over the past year to create the Sustainable Development in the Clayoquot Biosphere Region StoryMap. This ongoing project highlights the many ways that the work of organizations, governments, and individuals in the Clayoquot Biosphere Region is helping advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Explore this exciting new resource through the link below!

A Growing Collection!

A number of new maps have been added to the Science and Conservation in the Clayoquot Biosphere Region StoryMap collection! Explore new work from Cedar Coast Field Station, Strawberry Isle Marine Research Society, the Association of Wetland Stewards for Clayoquot & Barkley Sounds, and the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust!

Return of the Pacific Rim Whale Festival

The whole region is buzzing with excitement over the upcoming Pacific Rime Whale Festival! Events hosted by resident and visiting experts continue to be announced, creating what is sure to be an incredible line-up. We sat down with a Pacific Rim Whale Festival coordinator earlier this spring to learn a little more about the festival’s history and what’s in store this year. Read this story through the link below!