Issue 41 - September 2018

The Saviour Fish: Protecting Nisg̱a’a Connection to Oolichan

As oolichan populations across the coast collapsed, impacting culture and access to traditional food for many First Nations, the Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government undertook a multi-year research project to understand and support the Nation’s efforts to conserve the oolichan population, and to ensure Nisg̱a’a citizens can continue to harvest the fish year after year.

The oolichan is a fish of many names: eulachon, ooligan, hooligan. It is sometimes called candlefish because it is so high in oil content that, when dried, it can be fitted with a wick and used as a candle. To scientists it is Thaleichthys pacificus. To the Nisg̱a’a it is saak, the saviour fish.

For thousands of years, the Nisg̱a’a people have harvested oolichan from Ḵ’alii-Aksim Lisims, the Nass River. Sim’oogit Naaws (Harry Nyce Sr), director for the Nisg̱a’a Fisheries and Wildlife Department, says the fish continues to be a mainstay of the Nation’s culture. “For us, it is a life-saving fish,” he says. “It’s the first fish that comes in the new year arriving as winter supplies are dwindling.”

The slender, silvery-blue fish began to disappear from the waterways of the province in the 1990s, likely due to a combination of climate change, overfishing, industrialization, and by-catch. The population decline—estimated at 98 per cent—negatively impacted First Nations’ culture and access to traditional foods.

In 2011, the Ḵ’alii-Aksim Lisims oolichan was assessed as “threatened” by the Government of Canada’s Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). The Nisg̱a’a Nation worried its connection to oolichan might also be in danger, and acknowledged the need to begin collecting better data on the culturally and ecologically important fish in order to ensure a sustainable fishery could be maintained.

After pushing for a re-assessment of oolichan as a “Species of Special Concern,” the Nisg̱a’a Fisheries and Wildlife Department undertook a multi-year research project that would provide concrete evidence of the fish’s population, support its efforts at conserving oolichan, and ensure Nisg̱a’a citizens could continue to harvest the fish each year.

The results of the research project, which is still continuing in 2018, were surprising. “We found that…over the last three years the biomass of oolichan has risen,” says Edward Desson, fisheries manager for the Nisg̱a’a Nation.

Sim’oogit Naaws (Harry Nyce Sr.) says the project was effective at putting together data sets for historical reference and providing more ways to maintain the resource. “That’s extremely important for us,” he says.

Careful monitoring of the traditional Nisg̱a’a fishery, and data collection of the oolichan population ensure that its numbers will not be reduced to a threatened level on one of the few river systems where their numbers are still abundant. That data will play an important role when COSEWIC reassesses the status of Nass River oolichan in 2023, and ensure the Nisg̱a’a can maintain their cultural connection to the saviour fish.

Photo captions in order of appearance: 1. Nisg̱a’a fishers harvest oolichan through the ice at Fishery Bay. Photo by Nicole Morven. 2.Saak (oolichan), the Nisg̱a’a Nation’s saviour fish, hang to dry at a camp along the Nass River. Photo by Brodie Guy. 3. Nicole Morven, Harvest Monitoring Coordinator for the Nisg̱a’a Fisheries and Wildlife Department, holds up an oolichan while collecting samples at Fishery Bay. Photo by Nicole Morven 4. Lonny Stewart holds out a pint of oolichan grease at Walter’s Camp on Fishery Bay. Photo by Brodie Guy.

READ THE FULL STORY AT COASTFUNDS.CA

We love the work we do, and we hope you love the content we share. A donation in support of SEVENSEAS Media will help us carry our mission forward.

The mission of SEVENSEAS Media is to connect individuals and resources inside and outside of the conservation community to further the shared goal of preventing habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. Since our creation, we’ve been achieving this mission through:

Running community building projects in 174 countries
Engaging student ambassadors in over 50 universities
Forming strategic alliances and partnerships with over 200 professional organizations
Publishing over 500 authors, photographers, and researchers
Sponsoring dozens of beach and community clean-ups
Providing free scientific resources for educators
Promoting over 20 tailored conservation job postings per week- totaling over 1000 opportunities per year
Inspiring and educating our readers through rich imagery, engaging content, and a compelling conservation message
We do all of the above FOR FREE, because we care about the future

Find the latest articles on SEVENSEAS Media here.

Want to get in touch with questions or a submission? Contact us here.

This piece was edited and posted onto SEVENSEAS Media by Giacomo Abrusci

Issue 41 - September 2018

SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – September 2018 – Issue 41.

Letter from the Editor: Rethinking soap… for the environment.
Our next experiment at home was a little more time consuming, involves more planning, but was lot more fun. Read more…

9 Wild Outdoor and Hiking Films to Add to Your Watch List forest trail

If you’ve already checked off outdoors classics like “Planet Earth” and “Into the Wild” and are itching for more adventure films, then you’re going to want to check out this awesome list… Read more…

FEATURE DESTINATION: NOAA deploys a flotilla of Saildrones in the Arctic

In 2014, NOAA partnered with Saildrone, Inc. to test the possibilities of using unmanned sailing vehicles to collect data. Read more…

Under the Waves with Karim Iliya for August 2018

Freediver stops to rest along a sandy channel in the waters off Maui, Hawaii. See more…

Two more sea turtles rehabilitated and released off Juno Beach
I love following the work of our friends at Loggerhead Marinelife Center. They labor tirelessly to act as the leading authority in sea turtle education, research, and rehabilitation. Read more…

Marine Photographer Jack Reynolds’ Photo Series

His goal is to capture photographs that make people stop and think about the ocean and the expanse of its impact. See more…

The Saviour Fish: Protecting Nisg̱a’a Connection to Oolichan

As oolichan populations across the coast collapsed, impacting culture and access to traditional food for many First Nations, the Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government undertook a multi-year research project… Read more…

FEATURE DESTINATION: On Thin Ice! Polar Bears in a Warming World: The Impact of Arctic Sea Ice Loss

The loss of sea ice in the Arctic is significantly altering the habitat of Arctic marine mammals who have evolved to reside in the unique Arctic climate. Arctic marine mammals are highly specialized for…Read more…

FEATURE DESTINATION: Wildscreen Exchange September 2018 Feature Image

Walrus in the arctic photographed by David Wrangborg. Read more…

Children’s Books on Ocean Plastic
A series of children’s picture books which highlight the problems of plastic in our oceans… Read more…

Interested in advertising, contributing an article, or becoming a donor?

41 Issues, readership in 174 countries, 20,000 subscribers, over20,000 monthly visitors…and growing. Read more…

Green Fins Infographic release! #AlternativesToAnchoring
Green Fins new infographic

…the second Action Point of the Green Fins IYOR 2018 social media campaign! Read more…

FEATURE DESTINATION: Arctic adventures, a photo series
Stunning photography from the top of the world. See more…

The Global Marine Community Weekly Conservation Post

In a nutshell, the Global Marine Community is a free interactive resourcethat gives you access to a weekly email detailing a round-up of events, jobs, and announcements in ocean conservation. Read more…

Jack’s September 2018 Underwater Photography Feature
…don’t let its cuddly exterior fool you: this tiny octopus can kill you. And quickly. Read more…

Artificial Intelligence Guides Rapid Data-Driven Exploration of Changing Underwater Habitats

Researchers aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor used autonomous underwater robots, along with the Institute’s ROV to acquire 1.3 million high resolution images… Read more…

ECO-TRAVEL DEALS

Below are a few of our favorite tour centers and operators. Be sure to mention SEVENSEAS Media for special rates and discounts when making your inquiry.

Oceanic Society Expeditions.

A selection of expeditions and volunteer vacations for our travellers that will further the mission to conserve marine wildlife and habitats.

Alelí Tours Puerto Rico

Alelí Tours is a small-scale ecotourism business located in La Parguera, southwest Puerto Rico.

Isla Mar Research Expeditions – Field Courses in Puerto Rico.

A field course coordination company in Puerto Rico that specializes in organizing and hosting island ecology (marine/terrestrial) themed courses.

Bangkok Photo Tours.

We visit traditional sights but focus on markets, street art, and local food. All camera forward and environmentally sensitive.

Pangaea Ocean Sailing Expedition.

Panex is opening up sailing expeditions for guest crew. This is an unique opportunity to go sailing, cross an ocean, and be a part of something bigger.

SEE Turtles.

…protect endangered turtles throughout Latin America and the world by supporting community-based conservation efforts through ecotourism, education, and Billion Baby Turtles.

Scuba Junkie Dive Centers

A personal favorite from SEVENSEAS Media. Go to Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Sibuan, Mantabuan, Mataking, and more.

Ever dream of swimming with humpback whales? Now you can.

If you are interested in swimming with or photographing humpback whales Karim guides…

Loggerhead Marinelife Center.

Imagine roaming some of the world’s most beautiful ecosystems. Gorgeous vistas, affordable travel and amazing memories; immersing yourself in the sounds of nature.

Pete Oxford Expeditions.

We offer unique, small group expeditions for travelers and photographers to remote and pristine destinations and cultures around the world.

We love the work we do, and we hope you love the content we share. A donation in support of SEVENSEAS Media will help us carry our mission forward.

Running community building projects in 174 countries
Engaging student ambassadors in over 50 universities
Forming strategic alliances and partnerships with over 200 professional organizations
Publishing over 500 authors, photographers, and researchers
Sponsoring dozens of beach and community clean-ups
Providing free scientific resources for educators
Promoting over 20 tailored conservation job postings per week- totaling over 1000 opportunities per year
Inspiring and educating our readers through rich imagery, engaging content, and a compelling conservation message
We do all of the above FOR FREE, because we care about the future

Find the latest articles on SEVENSEAS Media here.

Want to get in touch with questions or a submission? Contact us here.

This piece was edited and posted onto SEVENSEAS Media by Giacomo Abrusci

Conservation Photography

Under the Waves with Karim Iliya for September 2018

Freediver Charyse Reinfelder stops for a moment to rest along a sandy channel in the waters off Maui, Hawaii

Karim was published in National Geographic magazine for his humpback whale photography. He now leads his own trips so that others can swim with whales.

If you are interested in swimming with or photographing humpback whales, Karim guides people in small trips between August and October every year in Tonga. Visit www.dancewithwhales.com to find out more

To see more of Karim’s work, visit his website at www.karimphotography.com

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We love the work we do, and we hope you love the content we share. A donation in support of SEVENSEAS Media will help us carry our mission forward.

Running community building projects in 174 countries
Engaging student ambassadors in over 50 universities
Forming strategic alliances and partnerships with over 200 professional organizations
Publishing over 500 authors, photographers, and researchers
Sponsoring dozens of beach and community clean-ups
Providing free scientific resources for educators
Promoting over 20 tailored conservation job postings per week- totaling over 1000 opportunities per year
Inspiring and educating our readers through rich imagery, engaging content, and a compelling conservation message
We do all of the above FOR FREE, because we care about the future

Find the latest articles on SEVENSEAS Media here.

Want to get in touch with questions or a submission? Contact us here.

This piece was edited and posted onto SEVENSEAS Media by: Bharamee Thamrongmas.

Art & Culture

Rethinking soap… for the environment

Summer is over for many of you while it is just starting to warm up for some readers farther south. I use the change of seasons as my firm reminder for housekeeping and an environmental inventory of my home. Time to change air filters, replace batteries, check windows, and make sure my heating and cooling is running efficiently. It is also a great opportunity to phase out less efficient appliances or products and rethink alternatives that are better for the environment.

Homemade solution to cut plastic

We are trying extra hard to reduce our plastic and packaging consumption. One household step was doing away with bottled body wash and going back to using bar soap. A small no-brainer that uses way less packaging and really saves us money! When you think about it, bottled soap is just a diluted bar with added stabalizers. Basically we are just paying for the cost to bottle and transport the water in our wash. Our next experiment at home was a little more time consuming, involves more planning, but was lot more fun. My husband and I learned how ridiculously easy it was to make soap from scratch. You can buy all the raw ingredients just about anywhere in the world, then heat, mix, and let dry. You can custom make them using essential oils and scrubs with no artificial additives to stay gentle on your skin. One batch goes a long way and once you wrap it in paper it makes a great gift-giving solution.

Our homemade soap recipe and instructions:

Ingredients: ⅔ cup of coconut oil for lather. ⅔ cup olive oil for a hard bar gentle on your skin. ⅔ cup of other oil of your choice like almond oil, avocado, or sunflower. ¼ cup lye – also called 100% sodium hydroxide (found at a local hardware store). ¾ cup cool distilled water. Then your choice of essential oil, any dried herbs or spices, and a scrub (coffee grinds, dried and crushed peach pits, and charcoal bits are my favorite). You will also need a thermometer, soap molds (old food containers like yogurt cups work fine), and some old cooking equipment that you will no longer use for food.

Using protective gear to keep your eyes, skin, and clothes safe, gently stir the lye into your water. Be sure to avoid accidentally breathing powder or any fumes. Once the lye is dissolved you can set it aside. Mixing water and lye creates an exothermic reaction that causes a dramatic temperature increase. Adding lye to room temperature water can cause the water to reach temperatures up to 200 ° F.
Then, in another container, add your oils together equalling a full pint. Heat on a stovetop or in the microwave for a minute until it reaches about 120 degrees.
By this time, both the water-lye solution and the oils should both be about 120 degrees. Monitor their temperature till they drop to somewhere between 95° and 105°. This temperature range is VERY IMPORTANT for soap making. When everything is the correct temperature, transfer the oils to a mixing bowl and slowly mix in the lye solution. Stir for 5 minutes as it thickens and turns lighter. After five minutes when the soap is a medium trace and is still pourable, mix-in your [optional] scrub and essential oils and pour the thickened liquid into a mold. Cover with an old towel or cloth and set it aside for at least 24 hours to allow for the saponification process of the base ingredients to become soap.
After about a day when the soap hardens and cools, pop it out, cut into smaller pieces if need be, and place on a drying rack in a closet or garage. Let the soap dry out and “cure” for up to four weeks. Then use or wrap in paper for storage or to gift away!

If it is that easy, why keep it a secret?

To make soap-making even more fun, invite some friends for wine, tell them to bring their own essential oil, plus a scrub of their choice, and make it a group event. Then everyone can share a bar of their own creation. When I first heard about making soap for a greener household I filed that suggestion away with churning my own butter and sewing my own clothes- but it is actually really easy, realistic, and it makes a huge impact. Trying it out once is likely enough to make you never want to go back.

This was by far the most green solution we found for washing up at home. Do you have any other DIY tips, recipes, or suggestions? Let us know so we can share them!

Once again I would like to thank all of our contributors and readers for your continued support. If you care about the transforming power of visual media and storytelling, and for the current and future generation of ocean conservation professionals, please consider a small donation to keep SEVENSEAS Media a free resource.

Safe travels and happy swimming,

Giacomo Abrusci
Executive Director

We love the work we do, and we hope you love the content we share. A donation in support of SEVENSEAS Media will help us carry our mission forward.

Running community building projects in 174 countries
Engaging student ambassadors in over 50 universities
Forming strategic alliances and partnerships with over 200 professional organizations
Publishing over 500 authors, photographers, and researchers
Sponsoring dozens of beach and community clean-ups
Providing free scientific resources for educators
Promoting over 20 tailored conservation job postings per week- totaling over 1000 opportunities per year
Inspiring and educating our readers through rich imagery, engaging content, and a compelling conservation message
We do all of the above FOR FREE, because we care about the future