Juan de Fuca Living Waters Program

Projects

The Juan de Fuca Living Waters Program is a research program within the non-profit Oceanic Research Alliance (ORA). This initiative is dedicated to understanding, protecting, and restoring the dynamic ecosystems of the Juan de Fuca Strait and involves several research and conservation studies.

Founded on the principle that thriving marine environments are vital to both ecological and community well-being, the program conducts interdisciplinary research that bridges marine mammal science, marine ecology, oceanography, and Indigenous knowledge systems. Our mission is to generate actionable science that supports sustainable fisheries, healthy marine mammal populations, and resilient coastal habitats.

The Juan de Fuca Living Waters Program also prioritizes education and community engagement. Through workshops, public outreach, and citizen science initiatives, we aim to inspire the next generation of marine stewards and ensure that our research benefits the people and wildlife that depend on these waters.

Gray Whale Behaviour Study – Port Renfrew, BC

This project aims to investigate the behaviour, habitat use, and foraging ecology of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) along the nearshore waters of Sombrio Beach and Port Renfrew, British Columbia. Port Renfrew provides a unique observation site where migrating and resident gray whales are frequently sighted feeding in shallow coastal habitats, including kelp beds and sandy-bottom foraging areas close to shore.

The study will be conducted from fixed shore-based observation points that provide broad visibility of the coastal foraging grounds. Using binoculars, spotting scopes, and digital cameras with telephoto lenses, researchers will collect standardized data on whale presence, photo-identification, group composition, surface behaviour, and foraging activity. Focal follows and scan sampling methods will be applied to quantify individual and group behaviours, while GPS-referenced sighting locations will be recorded to document spatial patterns of habitat use.

Objectives

Document Behavioural Patterns: Record and categorize behaviours such as foraging, traveling, resting, and social interactions.
Assess Habitat Use: Identify key feeding areas and behavioural “hotspots” along the Port Renfrew coastline.
Examine Temporal Variation: Compare whale activity across daily, seasonal, and tidal cycles.
Contribute to Conservation: Provide baseline ecological data to inform local marine stewardship initiatives and gray whale conservation management.

This non-invasive, shore-based approach minimizes disturbance to whales while allowing continuous monitoring over extended periods. Data collected will contribute to a broader understanding of gray whale ecology on the west coast of Vancouver Island and support ongoing community-based conservation and research efforts in the region.

Coastal Species Surveys

This project is designed to document and monitor the abundance, distribution, and behaviour of marine species along the coast of southern Vancouver Island through shore-based observations at the Oceana Research Station in Otter Point and small-vessel surveys in adjacent nearshore waters. The region encompasses a biologically rich transition zone between the sheltered Juan de Fuca Strait and the open Pacific, making it an important area for understanding coastal biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics.

Objectives

Catalogue Marine Species Diversity: Record the presence of marine mammals, seabirds, fishes, and invertebrates across seasons.
Monitor Population Trends: Establish long-term baselines for abundance, distribution, and seasonal movements of key species.
Assess Habitat Use: Identify important foraging areas, haul-outs, breeding sites, and migratory corridors.
Support Conservation and Community Science: Provide data to local stewardship groups, Indigenous partners, and management agencies to inform conservation efforts.

Methods

Shore-Based Surveys (Oceana Research Station, Otter Point): Conducted daily or weekly from fixed vantage points with broad visibility of nearshore waters.
- Use of binoculars, spotting scopes, and digital cameras to document species presence, behaviours, and group composition.
- Standardized scan sampling methods to ensure repeatability.
- Recording of environmental data (sea state, visibility, tide, and prey availability indicators).
Small-Vessel Surveys: Carried out in nearshore waters surrounding Otter Point, Sooke Harbour, and adjacent Juan de Fuca Strait.
- Vessel-based transects designed to maximize coverage of coastal habitats.
- Photographic and GPS data collection for mapping species distributions and individual identification (e.g., photo-ID of cetaceans and pinnipeds).
- Passive acoustic monitoring (when feasible) to detect cetacean vocalizations and supplement visual observations.

Expected Outcomes

Species Inventory: Comprehensive list of marine species observed in the Otter Point region.
Population and Seasonal Patterns: Baseline data on temporal trends in abundance and habitat use.
Hotspot Mapping: Identification of biologically important areas for feeding, reproduction, or migration.
Community Engagement: Opportunities for collaboration with local tour operators, Indigenous fisheries programs, and educational institutions.

The Coastal Species Survey Program provide critical baseline ecological information in a region facing increasing human activity, climate-driven change, and conservation challenges. Data generated from this project will support regional biodiversity monitoring, guide local marine management decisions, and contribute to a broader understanding of coastal ecosystem health along the southern coast of Vancouver Island.

Sooke Harbour Seal Photo ID Study

This project focuses on documenting the population structure, habitat use, and individual life histories of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) in Sooke Harbour, British Columbia, using non-invasive photo-identification (photo-ID) techniques. As a sheltered estuarine environment that supports a year-round seal presence, Sooke Harbour provides an ideal setting for long-term monitoring of this keystone marine mammal.

Objectives

Establish a Photo-ID Catalogue: Build a database of individually recognizable seals using natural pelage patterns, scars, and other distinguishing features.
Develop an AI software that recognizes pelage patterns of individual seals.
Monitor Population Dynamics: Estimate population size, track site fidelity, and document seasonal or annual shifts in seal presence.
Assess Habitat Use: Identify key haul-out sites, resting areas, and foraging behaviours within the harbour.
Support Conservation and Community Awareness: Provide ecological data that can inform local stewardship, wildlife management, and education initiatives.

Methods

Photo-ID Data Collection: High-resolution digital photographs will be collected during systematic shore-based and vessel-based surveys across tidal cycles and seasons.
Individual Recognition: Distinctive pelage markings, scars, and facial patterns will be analyzed to identify and catalog individuals. Pattern-matching software will be used to support manual verification.
Survey Effort: Regular monitoring will be conducted throughout the year to capture both resident and transient individuals.
Data Analysis: Capture-recapture methods will be used to estimate population size, residency patterns, and turnover rates.
Environmental Context: Observations of tide state, weather, human activity, and prey availability will be recorded to assess influences on seal behaviour.

Expected Outcomes

Photo-ID Catalogue: A long-term reference database of harbour seals using Sooke Harbour.
Population Insights: Estimates of population size, site fidelity, and seasonal movement patterns.
Habitat Identification: Mapping of critical haul-out and foraging sites within the harbour.
Conservation Applications: Data to support management decisions regarding human–wildlife interactions, harbour use, and marine ecosystem health.

By applying photo-identification, this study provides a non-invasive, cost-effective, and community-relevant method of monitoring harbour seals in Sooke Harbour. The resulting baseline data will help address key questions about population ecology, support conservation planning, and foster public awareness about the ecological role of harbour seals in coastal ecosystems.

Botanical Beach Intertidal Health Study

This project investigates the ecological health and biodiversity of intertidal habitats at Botanical Beach, a globally recognized marine conservation area on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Botanical Beach is characterized by rich tidepool systems, rocky outcrops, and diverse assemblages of algae and invertebrates, making it an ideal natural laboratory for monitoring intertidal ecosystem dynamics.

Objectives

Assess Intertidal Biodiversity: Quantify species richness, abundance, and distribution of algae, invertebrates, and other intertidal organisms.
Monitor Ecosystem Health: Identify indicators of ecosystem stress, including invasive species, evidence of over-harvesting, or shifts in species composition.
Establish Baseline Data: Provide long-term datasets to track ecological change due to natural variability, climate change, or anthropogenic impacts.
Support Conservation and Education: Contribute to local stewardship initiatives and provide opportunities for public education and student training in marine ecology.

Methods

Standardized intertidal transect surveys will be employed to ensure repeatable and comparable data collection.
Transect Design: Fixed transects (e.g., 30–50 meters) will be established perpendicular to the shoreline, spanning high, mid, and low intertidal zones.
Quadrat Sampling: Systematic quadrats (e.g., 0.25 m²) placed along transects will be used to record the presence, percent cover, and abundance of key taxa.
Species Identification: Field guides and digital imaging will assist in species identification; vouchers may be collected when necessary for lab confirmation.
Environmental Variables: Abiotic factors such as substrate type, tidal exposure, and water temperature will be documented to contextualize biodiversity data.

Expected Outcomes

Biodiversity Profiles: A comprehensive assessment of species composition across intertidal zones.
Health Indicators: Early detection of ecological shifts linked to climate change (e.g., ocean warming, acidification), invasive species, or human disturbance.
Long-Term Monitoring Framework: A replicable methodology for continued biodiversity assessments at Botanical Beach and other intertidal sites.

This study will provide essential ecological information to support the conservation of Botanical Beach’s unique intertidal ecosystems. By integrating biodiversity monitoring with long-term ecological health assessments, the project will contribute to regional marine conservation planning and enhance public awareness of the importance of intertidal habitats in sustaining coastal biodiversity.

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