This research project has evolved into a collaborative effort thanks to the generous support and contributions of many. The Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) has awarded me a Post-Graduate Scholarship that has allowed me to take up the project independently. The scholarship has paid for the cost of attending UBC and living in Vancouver over the past two years, but it does not contribute to the cost of conducting field work. Additional scholarships have been provided by UBC's Tom Northcote Scholarship Fund, which was created in recognition of the tremendous contributions made towards freshwater fisheries science by Dr. Tom Northcote, UBC Professor Emeritus.
In the Elk Valley, a large component of the research has been financially supported in the way of a generous Grant-In-Aid provided to me by Elk Valley Coal Corporation (EVCC). Several of the tributaries in this investigation are situated downstream from active coal mines, and EVCC recognizes the potential of its mining operations to influence recruitment dynamics. Of course, many of those employed by EVCC are also avid fishers, so their contribution will hopefully extend into the mainstem component of the project by logging their catch data into this website. The Columbia Basin Trust has also assisted with the cost of hiring two assistants this summer through Training Fee Support and Youth Grants.
In addition to financial support, the generous in-kind support by so many local anglers and angling guides has been paramount to the mainstem research. This includes all the tagging effort last summer from volunteers like Mario Rocca and Brian and Dave Fantuz of the Fernie Rod and Gun Club, and other local anglers including John Poirier, Dave Thompson, Clay Hobbs, Sean Taylor, and Dale Corrigan to name a few. Kim Sedrovic and his guides at Fernie Wilderness Adventures, Kevin Green and Darren Yuers at the Elk River Guiding Company, and Bill Wilcox of Lost Creek Angler all generously donated time and gear. New guides to the tagging program include Jeff and Curtis at Home Waters, Duncan McNicholl and John Douglas at the Kootenay Fly Shop. The guiding outfits provided drift boats and angling gear to assist with tagging and this year they even had clients who have allowed the tagging assistant accompany them on guided trips! Many indviduals see the value of the study and recognize their role in upholding a healthy fishery.
Most importantly I have created this website for you, the avid angler, to have a chance to take an active role the study. I really do hope that you will login as a user and contribute all the valuable angling information that you gather over the summer to this data base. Your efforts are greatly appreciated!!
Sincerely,
Chad
