Citizen Science Efforts to study and protect Howe Sound’s Glass Sponge Reefs

This talk will discuss the collaborative efforts by Scientists, Citizen Scientists, Marine Conservation Groups and the Scuba Diving Community to study and protect Howe Sound’s unique glass sponge reefs. An informal working group from Vancouver Aquarium, Marine Life Sanctuary Society of BC and the Underwater Council of BC has been working towards the common goal of Sponge Reef research and protection. By encouraging individuals and other groups to participate, and by engaging the public and local governments, a grass-roots campaign has been created to compliment traditional Marine Protection efforts by the Federal Government. After a basic overview of sponge reefs, the presentation will discuss examples of the Citizen Science work, along with efforts and progress made with local, regional, provincial, federal and First Nations governments relating to protection of glass sponge reefs. Citizen Science efforts underway include; mapping and field proofing sponge reefs by drop camera, temperature monitoring at 5 of the reefs which are accessible to Scuba divers, projects from 3 UBC Student Groups, photo and video documentation of 5 shallowest reefs by dive teams, technical dive expeditions to select deeper reefs, and development of a sponge reef training course for divers. The information and images collected are used in education & outreach efforts, and can be found in displays at Marine Conservation events, a museum, newspapers, as well as presentations to local & regional governments. These common efforts include a proposal to expand the boundaries of Halkett Provincial Marine Park on Gambier Island to include both sponge reef and sponge garden habitats. In the event the Provincial Legislature approves this expansion prior to the Conference the talk will highlight the teamwork and citizen science efforts that made the proposal a success