Herring restoration in False Creek
Project Details
This is a short film about the herring restoration project in False Creek run by the Squamish Streamkeepers. The intention is to help the public understand that there is more life in False Creek than they think and to understand that the herring spawn is an annual natural event that happens throughout the Salish Sea: here in Vancouver as well as on Vancouver and the surrounding Gulf Islands. By bringing this awareness of this seasonal phenomenon closer to home, this film will increase the public’s understanding of the Salish Sea.
Project Description
This is a short film about the herring restoration project run by the Squamish and West Vancouver Streamkeepers, and Tsleil-Waututh Nation in the Vancouver area. These groups are coming together to provide submerged spawning panels for herring to deposit their eggs in False Creek and Coal Harbour. Pacific herring populations in the Salish Sea are declining, and it is important to amplify the work of these organizations that are working towards conservation in urban areas.
The intention is to help the public understand that there is more life in False Creek than they think and to understand that the herring spawn is an annual natural event that happens throughout the Salish Sea: here in Vancouver as well as on Vancouver Island and the surrounding Gulf Islands.
By bringing this awareness of this seasonal phenomenon closer to home, this film will increase the public’s understanding of the Salish Sea and help them connect with the wildlife in their backyard.
This project has been created in commemoration of the lives of all the victims of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, including two Ocean Bridge ambassadors, Danielle Moore and Micah Messent. We aspire to carry on their legacy and commitment to making the world a better place by creating long-lasting impacts with a firm commitment to driving positive change for the environment and our ocean. We will never forget the light that Danielle and Micah brought to the world and will continue to keep them in our hearts. To learn more about these two amazing people, please visit: Honouring Danielle and Micah – Ocean Wise. This work is partially funded by the Commemoration Fund for Victims of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Tragedy.
What was your biggest challenge?
I think time was the biggest challenge in a number of ways. I work a full time job so finding time in the day to dedicate to this project was a bit tough, especially when I needed to meet with volunteers down at the wharf in False Creek. It was helpful to have Chelsie who was also able to shoot video to cover the days I wasn’t able to go. It was also tough to plan how to spend the funds when we didn’t know exactly where and when the spawn would happen on Vancouver Island. We also struggled in a couple instances of needing to have insurance to cover shooting at the wharf in False Creek and for gear rental from River Road Films. That was a learning experience that we will take into future projects.
What was your most valuable takeaway?
The herring spawn is an incredible seasonal event that brings together so much wildlife and so many people. It is an opportunity to unite people in witnessing a joyful spring phenomenon and then educate them about ocean conservation and overfishing. Lastly, even short film projects need general liability insurance.
