Speaker Series – Watch out Suckers!

Watch out Suckers! Considering Cowichan Lake Lamprey in Watershed Management.

A free Public Lecture with Joy Wade, research biologist.

The Cowichan Watershed Board is pleased to welcome biologist Joy Wade to teach us about the wonders of the Cowichan Lamprey (Lampetra macrostoma), a Threatened eel-like fish that exists only in the Cowichan Lake area.

The Species at Risk Register notes “Slow but ongoing declines in habitat quality and quantity due to threats from droughts and water management, sediment mobilized following upslope logging, and shoreline development threaten the species’ long-term persistence.” Joy will talk to us about why and how watershed management should include the needs of all species, including lamprey.

About the Speaker: Joy Wade is originally from New Brunswick, and moved to Vancouver Island from Newfoundland over 10 years ago. She has worked with and for Fisheries and Oceans Canada at various times in her career in marine science in such varied fields as broodstock development, disease management, science policy and science advice. Lately her career has focused on ecology and water management issues, particularly pertaining to freshwater and marine species at risk.