There are over 500 people in Canada who are actively involved with the work of the IUCN and/or the CCIUCN. Many are members in one or more IUCN Commissions. Others belong to IUCN or CCIUCN member organizations. This occasional series will highlight their IUCN-related work in Canada.
Introducing: Ocean Wise
Ocean Wise became a member of the CCIUCN in 2017.
CCIUCN activity highlights 2017
Education and communication
- In April we participated in the #NatureForAll dialogue in Vancouver and welcomed the Children and Nature Conference to Vancouver Aquarium for a special evening event.
- In June we launched https://ocean.org our millennial focussed public engagement portal
- In July and August, we hosted the Howe Sound and Cambridge Bay scientific Bio Blitz150 events as well as contributed to the Stanley Park public engagement Bio Blitz.
- In time for the National Conservation Summit in November, we were pleased to supply the #NatureForAll campaign with 1,000 pins to acknowledge and identity members and supporters.
- Throughout 2017 we were pleased to submit three #NatureForAll stories relating to our Youth leadership Program, Shoreline Clean Up and Curriculum Programs.
- Throughout 2017 our in person ocean education programs reached over 300,000 participants https://education.ocean.org/
Ecosystem management
- In February, we released the Ocean Watch Report http://oceanwatch.ca/
- Based on several years of research focusing on marine ecosystem indicators, we identified seven reporting themes. These themes taken together touch on ecological, socioeconomic, cultural, and governance aspects of ecosystem health and provide a window to the whole picture of what is happening in an area.
Species survival
Endangered
- Oregon Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa)
Participant in Amphibian Ark and member of the Oregon Spotted Frog Recovery Team. Active Oregon Spotted Frog breeding and release program. - Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens)
Participant in Amphibian Ark and member of the B.C. Northern Leopard Frog Recovery Team. Active Northern Leopard Frog breeding and release program.
Threatened
- Beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas)
VA – coordinates the AZA SSP and participates in SSP. CORI – mother and calf acoustic communication studies Arctic & St. Lawrence. - Northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus)
Animals onsite are owned by UBC and are in a conservation focused research program.
Special concern
- Beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas)
Coordinate and participate in SSP - Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena vomerina)
Research and Marine Mammal Rescue rehab and release - Seat otter (Enhydra lutris)
No SSP but particpate in studbook - Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus)
No SSP but involved in field research project with UBC.
Protected Areas
Ocean Bridge http://bridge.ocean.org/
During 2017 we developed our national marine conservation youth service program in collaboration with our partners Parks Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Would you like to share your IUCN-related initiatives? Contact us at cciucn@nature.ca.
Canadian Committee for IUCN 