5 Ways Coastal Wolves Thrive Off the Sea
“Wolves on the beach might sound strange, but these special gray wolves have been living seaside for thousands of years.”
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What would you do if you found a living dinosaur?
That’s essentially what divers found in 1987 when they discovered silica-based sea sponges forming reefs off the B.C. coast. Previously reef-forming glass sponges were thought extinct– the only evidence of them was in metres-tall cliffs found across Europe, dating back to at least 200 million years ago and living glass sponges were found only as individuals.
Yet, even the glass sponges discovered off B.C.’s coast are thousands of years old, having begun to form just after the last ice age. B.C.’s glass sponge reefs are made up of three types of sponge: finger goblet sponges, cloud sponges, and the reversed glass sponge. These three sponge types work together to grow into “sponge matts” that create reefs that are home to many other animals, such as the rockfish above. At one reef site, the sponges had grown as tall as an eight story building! However, they are at risk, despite having survived off our coast since the last ice age.
Scientists were eager to catalogue these unique glassy creatures after finding them in 1987, and found large and small reefs scattered throughout K̲andaliig̲wii and Átl`ka7tsem (Hecate and Howe Sound). However, many reefs were badly damaged, and one was already entirely dead by the time it was discovered, as it had been smothered by waste from an open-net pen salmon farm. Not only are these sponges held up by a glass-like skeleton, they are also very sensitive to silt as they syphon their food from the water around them. The reefs have been impacted negatively by both salmon farming, and fishing practices like bottom trawling and prawn trapping.
Despite marine protections meant to help conserve the sponges, conservation officers have reported that since 2020 there have been an uptick of offences in protected areas, leading to higher fines and more tickets. But this isn’t enough– it’s important that everyone on the water be educated before making these critical mistakes, as once a sponge reef has been damaged, scientists are still unsure how long it will take for them to recover, or if they even possess the ability.
📸: Adam Taylor
#glasssponge #dinosaur #reef #marineconservation
BC`s wolves are facing a critical moment 🐺💔
The provincial wolf cull is set to begin soon, and that means guns firing from helicopters at these beautiful creatures. They need your voice NOW more than ever. Don’t you think there’s a better way to protect our wildlife? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s start a real conversation. Every voice matters! Take action today— link in bio to send a letter to government officials: say NO to the wolf cull!
#EndTheCull #SaveBCWolves #WolfWednesday
🎥: @iantmcallister
Cover 📸: @sychdi
B.C. Timber Sales Is Destroying Ancient Forests
🌲 What is B.C. Timber Sales?
BCTS is a provincial agency managing 20% of B.C.’s public timber. Their mission? Economic growth. The cost? Irreplaceable old-growth forests. These forests, crucial for biodiversity and climate resilience, are being auctioned off and clearcut, disrupting ecosystems and countless communities.
🌲 The Devastating Impact
From ancient forests near Cape Scott to Fairy Creek and the Nahmint Valley, BCTS’s clearcutting practices are wiping out millennia-old forests. Despite public outcry and expert recommendations, the destruction continues.
🌲 We Need Change!
The time for action is now! We demand an end to BCTS`s harmful practices. Let’s protect forests, honour Indigenous land stewardship, and safeguard B.C.`s natural beauty.
🌲 Join the Movement
Grassroots efforts are pushing for reform and holding BCTS accountable. It`s time for a new era of sustainable forestry that prioritizes ecological and cultural preservation over profit. Email reformBCTS@proton.me for more information.
👉 Go to the link in our bio to see the full story on BCTS & take action!
📸: @iantmcallister
Grizzly bears are the heart of BC’s wild spaces, but right now, they need our help to thrive. 🐻🌲
Protecting their habitat means safeguarding entire ecosystems and future generations of wildlife. Join the movement to ensure these majestic creatures continue to roam free! Sign up for our newsletter, link in bio.
📸: @iantmcallister
#Grizzly #Bears
🐟 **#SuperFishSaturday Species Profile: Yelloweye Rockfish** 🐟
Say hi to this Saturday’s superfish: the yelloweye rockfish, one of the Pacific Ocean`s most fascinating and long-lived residents! These striking fish can live over a century, but their future is at risk due to habitat destruction and overfishing.
🔸 Of all rockfish, yelloweye are some of the longest living. Yelloweye rockfish have been recorded to live up to 150 years, but they only reach maturity between 5 and 20 years old, making their populations slow to recover from fishing and habitat loss. These fish thrive in rocky reefs, including British Columbia`s ancient glass sponge reefs. These reefs are biodiversity hotspots, providing critical shelter and breeding grounds for yelloweye rockfish and other marine life.
🔸 Being caught as incidental bycatch can be devastating for yelloweye rockfish. Both bottom trawl and midwater trawl fishing sometimes bring up yelloweyes as bycatch, the former dragging nets along the bottom that can destroy habitats like the glass sponge reefs which not only take thousands of years to grow, but are also home for rockfish. Yelloweyes are very vulnerable to sudden changes in depth (like being brought up on a fishing line or in a net) as they do not have a swim bladder. If accidentally caught by recreational or sport fishers, it’s crucial they are released with a controlled descent device that can save their life!
🔸 Yelloweye rockfish are both a species of concern and listed as endangered, and protecting their habitats, especially the precious glass sponge reefs, is crucial. Reducing bycatch and ensuring that fishers are aware of protective measures such as controlled descent devices, are essential to ensure these incredible fish can continue to thrive.
Let`s work together to protect the yelloweye rockfish and their unique habitats! 🌊💙 #Yelloweye #rockfish #SaveOurOceans
📸: NOAA Photo Library
How do you connect to the cycle of life? 🐟️🌲
When salmon return to the earth, they provide nutrients to the forests and streams of British Columbia. When you return to earth, just like a salmon, you can leave a gift for the wild places you love. We’ve partnered with Epilogue, an online wills platform founded by experienced estate planning lawyers to help you get the will you need and create the conservation legacy you want to leave behind. Pacific Wild relies on gifts in wills to ensure we can continue the important work we do– A gift in your will to our registered charity can make a difference long after you are gone, and provide tax advantages for your estate.
With Epilogue, you can complete your will in as little as 20 minutes and from the comfort of your own home. Canadian supporters of Pacific Wild can enjoy 20% off any Epilogue package, by clicking on the link in our bio.
Consider supporting us here at Pacific Wild so we can continue furthering our conservation work! No matter the size of your gift, your legacy can help preserve the natural beauty we all cherish. Learn more and start your journey towards making a difference— link in bio! 💙 #Will #Give #Charity
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