Past Projects
Explore the legacy of Cedar Coast Field Station’s research projects from 2017 to 2022, showcasing our dedication to biodiversity, collaboration, and community-driven conservation in Clayoquot Sound.
Sea Star Wasting Disease
We supported Strawberry Isle Marine Research Society (SIMRS) in monitoring Sunflower (Pycnopodia helianthoides) and Ochre (Pisaster ochraceus) sea stars in our coastal waters. Listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, Sunflower Stars had not recovered from the devastating effects of Sea Star Wasting Syndrome (SSWS), which began in 2013 and is now recognized as the largest non-commercial mass marine die-off in history. Any observed sea stars were measured and checked for signs of the disease, with data contributing to research led by the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Oceanographic Monitoring & Research
In 2021, CCS expanded its monitoring programs to include oceanographic research in Clayoquot Sound, where key oceanic processes like oxygen content, temperature, and salinity were under-studied. With global oceanic oxygen declining—most severely in coastal systems—we collaborated with the Hakai Institute, Institute of Ocean Sciences, University of Washington-Tacoma, Nature’s Trust, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, and Uu-a-thluk Fisheries to study subsurface oxygen dynamics in Herbert Inlet. This research aimed to assess the inlet’s vulnerability to climate change and explore links to wild salmon declines in Clayoquot Sound.
Counting Chum Salmon with Drones
In 2020, we launched a new research project to test the efficacy of remotely piloted aircraft systems (drones) for enumerating Chum Salmon during their in-river spawning. Chum Salmon, while ecologically, commercially, and socially important, often receive less attention than other Pacific salmon species, resulting in many runs going uncounted or only counted during peak spawning of target species like Chinook or Sockeye. Due to funding constraints, fewer salmon rivers have been monitored, creating gaps in our understanding of salmon populations. Without basic data on the number of returning salmon, we cannot assess their health or the impacts of specific threats. This project explored drones as an efficient, cost-effective, and data-rich tool for counting Chum Salmon.
Juvenile Chinook Early Marine Survival
Chinook Salmon in Clayoquot Sound are critically endangered, with only around 500 adults returning to spawn in 2020. Little is known about their early marine life, though early survival has been identified as key to population growth in other salmon stocks. In 2020, we initiated a community-driven effort to understand how juvenile Chinook use Clayoquot Sound and the challenges they face.
This project focuses on juvenile Chinook during their first year at sea. By collecting tissue samples, we aim to learn about their abundance, distribution, stress and disease profiles, and genetic stock. The data will help us explore how factors like size, condition, pathogens, parasites, and environmental conditions affect their growth and survival.
Kelp Monitoring in Clayoquot Sound
In 2022, This project used established kelp monitoring methods developed by the Marine Plan Partnership for the North Pacific Coast (MaPP) to assess kelp bed coverage and density. From late spring through early fall, kelp surveys were conducted in the areas surrounding Vargas and Flores Islands. During late summer to early fall, experiments were carried out on the regrowth of kelp using various harvest methods. The collection of data on kelp growth and distribution served as the initial step toward the goal of developing a long-term kelp monitoring program in Clayoquot Sound.
Integrated Coastal Observatory Contributions
Cedar Coast contributes environmental DNA (eDNA) samples to the Integrated Coastal Observatory (ICO) program at the Hakai Institute. eDNA is microscopic pieces of genetic material (like skin cells, scales, or waste) that animals, plants, and other organisms leave behind in their environment—like in water, soil, or air. Scientists collect samples from these places and analyze the eDNA to figure out what species are present without needing to see or capture them. The ICO program focuses on collecting water samples so we can identify each species that is living in the surrounding waters.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a student, community member, not-for-profit organization, Indigenous knowledge holder, or government agency, we are always eager to expand our research network and engage new collaborators. If you’re interested in partnering on a project or connecting with us in any capacity, we’d love to hear from you by contacting us below.