Project Community Update

January 2011

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Campbell River, BC. - A-Tlegay Fisheries society has been taking part in a survey funded by the Species at Risk Act (SARA) to determine the presence of the Olympia Oyster (Ostrea conchaphila) in our native territory. The Olympia oyster is the only native oyster of four species found in British Columbia and is listed under SARA as a species o#ilf special concern. There is limited documentation on the occurrence of this species in the territories of the five First Nations Bands that make up the A-Tlegay Fisheries Society.

During the summer months of 2010, we conducted surveys of several locations along the southeast side of Quadra Island and the Cape Mudge territory. We determined that the Olympia oyster was present in all but one of the areas surveyed. This is very exciting since sightings have been limited since the 1930's when the species collapsed.

The project also consists of assessing aboriginal traditional knowledge of the Olympia oyster through interviews of First Nations elders from the territory that was surveyed. From the information gathered by surveys and interviews, a map of historical and present occurrence is now being processed.

In future, we plan to continue to monitor the local populations of the Olympia oyster that were discovered through this project as well as extend this research into other First Nations territories of the Society.

If you would like further information on this project please contact Kelsey Campbell at the office at (250) 287-8868.