lIFR IN-FLIGHT REVIEW
O FFI c I a L F I s H
Pacific salmon designated a provincial emblem
GRaND TOUR
Intergenerational Travel
BUzz ON: BEEkEEpING IN B.c.
Creativity. Curiosity. Dedication.
At Royal Roads University, these are just a few of the traits we value in our students. Whether you’re learning to be a more effective entrepreneur, leader, educator, or communicator, RRU brings out your best during intensive on-campus residencies, while delivering content that’s immediately relevant in the workplace. After graduation, you’ll be surprised at how much you’ve learned and accomplished, and also how you’ve changed and grown as an individual. When you’re ready, we’ll be waiting.
Your journey begins at royalroads.ca/helijet
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INSPIRE CHANGE IN THE FUTURE
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Bob Wright was a committed advocate of the B.C. sport-fishing industry. Oak Bay m arine g roup photo.
T HIS ISSuE of Helijet’s in- flight review magazine is dedicated to the memory of Bob Wright, founder of Oak Bay Marine Group, who passed away on April 17, 2013.
Bob was one of the great pioneers of the B.C. lodge and charter fishing industry. His innovative approach to wilderness fishing adventures during the 1970s and ’80s paved the way for many lodges now operating on the Coast.
A tireless, determined and vocal advocate for B.C.’s sportfishing community, Bob was a founding member of the Sport Fishing Advisory Board, the creator of the Sport Fishing Institute, and a commissioner on the Pacific Salmon Commission in the 1990s.
Bob believed actions speak louder than words. In keeping with that he donated $11 million to the university of Victoria in 2008 to create the Bob Wright Oceans and Climate Centre, with the goal of keeping oceans healthy for future generations.
His vision, foresight and creative spirit will be missed.
Publisher/Editor Garth Eichel
Art Director Jacalin Jefferson
Account Manager Garth Eichel
Contributors
Sue Denham Garth Eichel
Kevin House
Sue Kernaghan
Robert Loblaw
Heath Moffatt
Kevin Obermeyer
For information on display advertising opportunities, contact Garth Eichel at: garth@archipelagomedia.com
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EDITORIAL Seagoing Safeguards By Kevin O B ermeyer, President & C eO, PaC ifi C PilOtage auth O rity
By sue Kernaghan
a bove: honeybees share their wealth at tugwell Creek h oney f arm & m eadery.
1248 Woodway Road
Victoria BC V9A 6Y6
Tel 250.380.3961
Fax 250.380.3962 www.archipelagomedia.com
Please send comments and suggestions to Garth Eichel, Publisher: garth @ archipelagomedia.com
in-flight review (IFR) is a quarterly magazine published by Archipelago Media Ltd. for Helijet International Inc. All published material is the copyright of Archipelago Media Ltd. No part of this publication, in whole or in part, may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The written and photographic material published in in-flight review does not necessarily reflect the views of the air carrier or the publisher. Information and images produced in the magazine are believed to be accurate and truthful, but the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors.
Advertising in in-flight review magazine does not indicate an endorsement by Helijet International Inc. or Archipelago Media Ltd. ISSN 1916-5080
OFFICIAL FISH
Pacific salmon are designated B.C.’s provincial fish emblem
By g arth ei C hel
BY K EVIN OBERMEYER
Seafaring Safeguards Marine pilots protect B.C.’s pristine coastal waters
MOST PEOPLE associate the word “pilot” with aviation, but the term historically belongs to mariners who possess the expertise and local knowledge to safely guide seagoing ships through hazardous coastal waters, and into congested harbours.
On the B.C. Coast the Pacific Pilotage Authority (PPA) is the federal crown corporation responsible for providing pilot services along the province’s 25,725 km of coastline, as well as the Fraser River.
By law, any foreign ship over 350 gross tons entering Canadian waters is required to have a licenced marine pilot aboard. That includes oil tankers.
Tankers are a contentious issue in B.C. Now, with more energy projects planned, emotions are running higher than ever — the result being important facts are getting lost amid the rhetoric.
First, there is no so-called moratorium on oil tankers in this province.
Tankers regularly operate on the Coast because ours is fossil-fuel economy and B.C is a maritime province. Our standard of living would drop significantly without oil shipments. How long would Vancouver Island and remote coastal communities survive without delivery of fuel-oil?
This is not to say the PPA is protankers. Our mandate is to provide safe and efficient pilotage services to all vessels over 350 tons, regardless of cargo. We don’t have the luxury of choosing what vessels we serve; a ship is a ship and our job is to keep it off the rocks.
That’s why B.C. marine pilots are some of the most experienced and highly trained mariners in the world. All have spent years navigating the Coast; each undergoes rigorous selection and examinations; and there is a massive training regime that continues from date of hire to retirement.
And while pilots regard all ships the same, there is heightened awareness around oil tankers. As an added level of safety, tankers operating in Canada are required to be double-hulled, and when operating in confined areas they are tethered to powerful escort tugs — as many as four in some situations.
All this is necessary because too much is at stake. No one ever wants to ever see a repeat of the e xxon valdez disaster in 1989 when 40 million litres of crude oil spilled into Prince William Sound on the Alaskan Coast. (It is worth noting the vessel had no tethered escort tugs, and no pilot aboard, when it struck Bligh Reef.)
Indeed, marine pilots consider
a bove: a v ictoria-based pilot boat returns to Ogden Point with a marine pilot who has just guided a “ro-ro” car container ship out to sea. g arth e ichel photo.
themselves stewards of the environment — a point driven home by severe fines and jail terms for those found responsible for even relatively small spills.
Still, some critics argue a spill on the West Coast is inevitable if tankers are permitted. That is simply not so. Tankers have safely operated on the B.C. Coast for over 50 years without incident. The PPA’s safety record speaks for itself: of a total 12,144 vessel movements last year the agency had a 99.94% incident-free record. Granted, you can never say never, but with so many layers of safety the chances of a catastrophic spill are close to nil.
Regardless, oil tankers are not going away; if anything, there are going to be more in years to come. Fortunately, British Columbians can rest assured that marine pilots ensure coastal shipping is as safe as it can possibly be.
Rich Harvey, CGA Hockey Finance Manager Bauer Canada
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T HE SCOOTCASE
Running late with miles to the gate? No worries. Just set your suitcase to scooter mode and glide through the airport like a highly mobile hipster. The Micro Luggage Scooter from Kickboard Canada is a tough Samsonite carry-on case with a built-in scooter. Folded up, it fits in most overhead bins; folded out, it leaves other road warriors in the dust. It’s practical, too, with two luggage compartments, a 26-litre capacity, and a separate laptop compartment. kickboard.ca
DOWN By T HE RIvER
Pier 73 Restaurant, located at the Delta Vancouver Airport hotel since 1973, is celebrating its 40th year in business, which no mean feat in the restaurant biz! Not content to rest on its laurels, Pier 73 has launched a new food and beverage menu focused on high-quality local food and sustainable Ocean Wise approved seafood, as well as a raft of award-winning beers on tap from local micro-breweries. Why hang out in YVR when you can unwind riverside with a pint of local brew and first-class eats? pier73.com
NEW ROOMS WITH A vIEW
Victoria’s Magnolia Hotel & Spa recently unveiled 64 refreshed guestrooms, offering a touch of modern elegance to a historic corner of the city. Featuring a lighter colour palate of taupe, smoke and pearl, the guestrooms have plush new carpeting, elegant furnishings and bedding, and artwork by local artists. The result is each room has a renewed lustre that retains the Magnolia’s traditional inspiration. magnoliahotel.com
E ARTHLy DELIGHTS
Want to mark a special occasion? Check out Idar, Victoria’s only custom jeweller. Idar Bergseth, one of the few North American goldsmiths still hand-forging gold, creates modern jewellery inspired by Nordic, West Coast and Celtic designs. One of his most recent works is this stunning necklace of lapis lazuli and 18-karat gold. The beads are close to their natural state, but in the necklace they appear to float on the neck. Lapis lazuli has been sought after since ancient times for its intense blue colour; modern viewers say some stones look like photographs of the earth from space. Idar.com
Always Hand Made
The
Mighty Oak
This is David’s original oak leaf ring. The acorn is a symbol of strength and power. As it only appears on a fully mature oak it is considered a symbol of the patience needed to attain goals over long periods of time, representing perseverance and hard work. Traditional, old school, and as always, completely handmade.
Internat I onal award w I nn I ng
Jewellery d es I gners • sI nce 1972
946 Fort St. Victoria BC • T 250-383-3414 • www.idar.com
Jewellery Designs © 2013 IDAR
C AFFEINE TO GO
Ideal for the coffee aficionado on the go, the Bodum Travel Press doubles as a miniFrench press and insulated travel mug. Now caffeine freaks can enjoy a fresh-brewed cup of coffee anywhere anytime. It’s also handy at home, when you need just a single cup of joe. Prefer tea? The Bodum brews a pretty good cup of orange pekoe, too. Bodum.com
WATER MUSIC
Why should runners and gym rats have all the fun? Now swimmers can work out to music, too. Just pop an iPod shuffle into the Interval 4 waterproof case, attach it to your goggles, and splash away. Built-in headphones and ear buds ensure a leak-proof fit; your playlist or audio book ensures a boredomfree workout. The case, designed for the 4th generation iPod Shuffle, comes on its own or with a two-gigabyte shuffle. X-1 Audio also has waterproof headphones, iPhone cases and armbands for triathletes, rowers, surfers and other water sports fans. h2oaudio.ca
A LPINE A PPETITES
Planning a summer weekend in Whistler, but can’t decide where to eat? Worry not. Whistler-based foodies have stepped up to help visitors navigate the resort’s burgeoning dining scene. With Whistler Tasting Tours diners join a local food expert for a multi-course, multi-restaurant meal, strolling to a new eatery for each course and learning about local food lore as they go. Options include a lunch tour, an all-desserts tours, a selection of locals’ favourites, or a fine dining experience complete with a lesson in champagne sabering. whistlertastingtours.com
PLAy FUL S T y LE
Even tiny tots appreciate good design. Kid O Toys, available at Leka Clothing in Victoria, are aesthetic toys with fluid lines, bright colours, and loads of kid appeal. These beautiful logo-free toys are attractive enough to leave scattered on the floor. Try the toddlerfriendly Go Cars: they’re pushable, graspable, durable, and elegantly cute. (Vroom-vroom noises and flashing lights not included.)
kidoproducts.com lekaclothing.com
BY G ARTH EICHEL
H ELIJET F LEET
For information on aircraft fleet specifications and capabilities, please visit helijet.com/charter
The Jet in Helijet
Helijet’s Learjet operation provides additional aviation services to customers who need to go farther faster
“A LOT OF PEOPLE don’t know we operate a jet,” says Ted Houston, Helijet’s Chief Pilot, FixedWing. “There is more to Helijet than helicopters; we have a history with turboprops and turbo-jets going back over a decade.”
The jet Houston refers to is a Learjet 31A, based at YVR Airport in Richmond. From here it is dispatched throughout Continental North America on duties ranging from executive charter and medevac, to repatriation flights for Canadians hospitalized abroad. Houston flies these operations with three other flight crew: Capt. Chris Lucia, Capt. David Paton, and First Officer Wilson Frost. All four have extensive experience, and when not flying they are training to a high standard, which suits them just fine as each relishes the opportunity to fly one of the fastest aircraft in the civilian market.
“It goes like stink,” says Lucia. “It’s a very high-performance jet: it climbs like crazy, has a service ceiling of 51,000 feet, and cruises at mach 0.81. It’s good for the testosterone!”
Houston concurs: “If you need to be somewhere fast the Lear is the way to go.” He adds, “Many of Helijet’s clients have aviation needs in addition to what the helicopter
fleet provides. Our helicopters are efficient on short-distance flights, but if a customer needs the convenience of going farther and faster we can provide that, too.”In keeping with this, Helijet recently began providing summer-seasonal service to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island, and year round service to Prince Rupert on an exclusive charter basis, catering to select clients who require a faster, more convenient and hasslefree air transport solution.
Configured for six passengers, the Learjet is capable of travelling at speeds over 500 mph, making the flight from YVR to Port Hardy in only 30 minutes, and just over one hour to Prince Rupert.
“We’re delighted we can provide a new transportation service for our existing clients,” says Danny Sitnam, President and CEO, Helijet. “It’s onestop shopping for their air transportation needs.”
Sikorsky S76A
Bell 206L3 LongRanger
Sikorsky S76C+ (BC Ambulance Service)
Learjet 31A
a bove: h elijet’s l earjet pilots (from left to right) Capt. Chris l ucia, Capt. d avid Paton, f irst Officer Wilson f rost, and Capt. ted h ouston. Photo by g arth e ichel.
The Grand Tour
T HERE WAS A TIME when children dreaded vacationing with sedentary grandparents. Generally, mom and dad would pack their youngsters off to grandma’s and grandpa’s for a few weeks each summer just to get a break from the little brutes. Kids would go stir crazy from boredom in a matter of hours; grandparents would tire of the noise and disruption. Hate and discontent soon followed.
That was then. Today’s generation of grandparents are much more active and involved in the lives of their grandchildren. And as more and more Boomers ease into retirement there is a growing number of grandparents with the time, energy and money to go on life-affirming vacations with their grandchildren — with or without mom and dad.
Called “intergenerational travel”, or “grandtravel”, this kind of trip is one of the fastest growing segments of the vacation industry, with tour companies offering more options for the grandparent-grandkid niche. Forget a trip to the zoo with the kiddies; today’s grandparents want to show their grandkids the world.
Among the first to do so was Road Scholar (roadscholar. org), which has led grandparent programs since the mid1980s. This Boston-based non-profit, formerly known as Elderhostel, runs about 180 intergenerational trips a year, ranging from river rafting in the Grand Canyon to exploring coral reefs in Honduras.
According to spokesperson Despina Gakopoulos, intergenerational trips are one of Road Scholar’s most popular packages, attracting up to 8,000 travellers a year. The idea, she says, came from existing fans of Elderhostel’s educationbased trips: “Participants enjoyed the experiences we offered and wanted to share them with the younger generation.”
A number of factors are driving the trend says Gakopoulos: “Older adults are a lot more active than in the past and are interested in doing more. A lot of families don’t live near each other, so it’s an opportunity to get together and do something special. Some families even have a tradition: as each grandkid comes of age, they get to go on a trip with a grandparent.”
Intergenerational travel grows in popularity
“The feedback is tremendous: kids are pleasantly surprised at what their grandparents are capable of and interested in doing; grandparents are often amazed at the bonding that happens.”
The benefits flow two ways — or even three if you factor in mom and dad. Children have an exciting, educational experience away from their regular routine, while grandparents get to see the world in a whole new way.
For example, Paris seems different through the eyes of a child seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time. And a visit to Oxford’s Christ Church College casts Harry Potter and Narnia in a new light. When it comes to giving gifts, grandparents know experiences and memories last a lot longer than toys and money.
Grandtravel is not just about edifying the wee ones, though. Fancy riding elephants in Thailand, sailing a felucca down the Nile, or exploring a cloud forest in Costa Rica? Then perhaps small group adventure travel is an option. More comfortable, and a tad pricier, than typical adventure travel trips, these tours, with fewer than a dozen people, are geared towards families and grandparents. What is more, they take care of all the logistical planning, while developing spectacular itineraries that can accommodate companions of similar ages. (Teen trips are an option).
There are a range of such family trips offered by organizations such as G Adventures, Intrepid Travel, Adventures by Disney, or the small, family-run Generations Touring Company, to name just a few.
Closer to home are family camping adventures. Family camps are just like summer camp, except adults come too.
Camp Pringle near Duncan on Vancouver Island runs a weekend event called Family Camp — Generations in August. It is open to any family, but grandparents and even great grandparents are encouraged to join the games, skits, canoeing, ropes courses and intergenerational team challenges.
Also on Vancouver Island is Strathcona Park Lodge and Outdoor Centre, which hosts cross-generational outdoor programmes. The Centre’s Intergenerational Adventures, run in collaboration with Road Scholar, offer grandparents and their grandkids, ages 9 to 14, a week of rock-climbing, zip-lining, hiking, and wilderness skills. The week finishes with the ultimate kid adventure: a canoe trek and campout. If roughing it with the young’ins isn’t your thing, then consider an all-inclusive multi-generation sea cruise.
While every major cruise line offers children programmes, a top choice is, not surprisingly, Disney. Soon to launch its third Vancouver-Alaska cruise season, disney Wonder gets extra points for its adults-only spaces and, rare among cruise lines, activities that kids and adults can do together.
As Jennifer Johnson of Ottawa recalls, a family sea cruise was a trip to remember: “Our family took a threegeneration cruise in the Caribbean some years back, and it was terrific. Grandma in a wheelchair, but still feisty, my parents, and us kids. A cruise was the perfect compromise of adventure and accessibility, and every stop let us choose what level of activity we wanted.”
Whatever the case, with so many intergenerational travel options available many grandkids may actually start asking to go on vacation with their grandparents. And who knows, maybe mom and dad will get invited, too.
Custom Made for Success
Introducing Thompson Rivers University (TRU)’s redesigned Master of Business Administration (MBA).
One of the most exible programs in Canada, the TRU MBA can be completed any way you choose. Adopt an education that suits you by studying on-campus, online or blending the two, and select part- or full-time study.
BY G ARTH EICHEL
OFFICIAL fish
Pacific salmon are designated B.C.’s provincial fish emblem
FEW SPECTACLES in nature are more stirring than the annual spawning migration of wild Pacific salmon from the open ocean back to the rivers and streams where they hatched.
This natural phenomenon matters to British Columbians because Pacific salmon are so impor-
tant in so many ways, and on so many levels. Indeed, they are an integral part of the province’s history, culture, economy, political landscape and, most importantly, the wider natural environment.
With this in mind, the B.C. Government announced on March 16, 2013, that Pacific salmon
s ockeye salmon make their way up the f raser r iver to spawn. t he f raser accounts for over 50 per cent of all B.C. salmon production, and is regarded as the largest single production system in the world. i s tock photo
had been designated the official provincial fish emblem of British Columbia.
“There is no symbol more iconic of British Columbia,” said Environment Minister Terry Lake.
“Not only are Pacific salmon integral to the culture, well-being and livelihood of B.C.’s First
Nations, they are often seen as indicators of overall ecosystem and wildlife health, and important to environmental sustainability.
Pacific salmon are also a significant economic driver in B.C. due to commercial and recreational fisheries.”
K E ySTONE SPECIES
Several species qualify as Pacific salmon, but the most notable are Chinook, coho, pink, chum and sockeye. (Steelhead and cutthroat trout are also considered Pacific salmon species.)
While there are significant differences between each, Pacific salmon are all salmonids that are spawned in fresh water, but spend most of their lives at sea in saltwater before returning to freshwater rivers to reproduce.
Fossilized records in B.C. suggest this anadromous life cycle goes back as much as seven million years to the Miocene epoch.
Driven by ancient instincts, these beautiful determined creatures face myriad predators and obstacles during their perilous return to spawn throughout the province. Death is the inevitable outcome, but so is life.
Decomposed salmon carcasses provide essential nutrients for fertilized eggs, as well as the wider natural environment. Countless species of flora benefit from nitrogen and other nutrients released into riparian soils where salmon spawn.
Moreover, Pacific salmon are an essential food source for a variety of animals, such as birds, bears, and other fish.
a commercial fishing boat hauls in salmon on B.C.’s n orth Coast. r obert l oblaw photo.
Brown bears are just one of 130 animal species that depend on salmon for sustenance. i s tock photo.
Pinks are one of the most abundant salmon species on the West Coast. s ue d enham photo.
The West Coast Fishing Club is no ordinary fishing destination. Located on the farthest shore of Canada’s west coast in Haida Gwaii, we don’t simply offer an authentic wilderness opportunity, but rather a five-star luxury experience with memories to last a lifetime. Each resort offers unique all inclusive trip packages for you to enjoy and are designed to ensure a worry-free adventure, where we look after every detail from start to finish.
T HE TIE THAT BINDS
Humans have long relied on pacific Salmon for sustenance. First Nations of B.C. depended on annual salmon runs as a primary source of protein. Central to their survival and way of life, Pacific salmon became an integral part of First Nations culture in B.C., reflected in art, song, dance and legend.
The English navigator and explorer Capt. James Cook saw this first-hand when he sailed the West Coast in the 18th Century. Cook reported enormous salmon returns and, soon after, Europeans began settling in B.C. to share in nature’s bounty, which seemed inexhaustible at the time.
T ROUBLE BENEATH THE SURFACE
Large-scale harvest of salmon began in the mid 19th Century with the introduction of commercial fish canning operations along the West Coast. Many of these canneries evolved into coastal communities that became dependent
on commercial salmon fishing. As with First Nations, these communities came to identify with Pacific salmon.
Like so many other natural resources, salmon fishing became a pillar of the provincial economy. unfortunately for all concerned, intensive fishing eventually took its toll. By the 1950s and ’60s provincial salmon catch was on the decline. Making matters worse, pollution and large-scale urban development significantly impacted vital salmon habitat on the South Coast.
Still, little was done to address these growing problems until the mid-1980s. By this time Pacific salmon had become a political issue with various interest groups, business sectors, levels of government and divergent fisheries — First Nations, commercial and sport — all voicing different, and often disagreeing, perspectives. Making matters worse, there was little funding available to do anything meaningful about declining salmon populations.
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The legendary chinook are only the beginning
T URNING THE TIDE
Matters improved in 1987 with the formation of the Pacific Salmon Foundation, an independent non-profit organization aimed at saving salmon species by generating public awareness and involvement, raising funds, and supporting conservation and habitat programs. Moreover, the Foundation has functioned as the voice of salmon in B.C., working with the private sector, community groups, assorted stakeholders, and various levels of government — federal, provincial, municipal and First Nations — towards salmon enhancement.
Much has been achieved in this regard by the Foundation and the partner groups it supports. For the first time in decades there is cautious optimism that the future need not be dire for Pacific salmon.
Indeed, many Chinook and coho populations are thriving on the mid- and north coast of B.C.
Still, there is cause for concern on the South Coast. Salmon returns are highly variable each
Community volunteers take part in a stream clean-up on the Goldstream River near Victoria. Heath Moffat photo.
year and some populations are critically low, most notably wild coho in the Strait of Georgia.
As well, uncertainty prevails in managing salmon fisheries where competing user groups are often cast as winners or losers. What is more, urbanization on the South Coast continues to threaten habitat as the interests of humans bump up against those of nature.
Then there is the big known unknown of climate change. No one can say for sure what effect it will have, but the trend of earlier spring snow melts, combined with hotter and drier summers, is fundamentally altering the province’s rivers and streams. Out at sea ocean temperatures are rising, and areas of low oxygen are expanding. The list goes on.
a bove: a volunteer weighs salmon fry at the h oward e nglish h atchery near v ictoria. h eath m offat photo.
But perhaps the greatest challenge facing salmon is a lack of public conviction. Without foresight, leadership and willingness to make hard choices there is scant hope for the species. This is significant because salmon are an indicator species of the overall environment. As they go, so go natural ecosystems.
To be sure, giving Royal Assent to the designation of Pacific salmon as an official provincial emblem won’t ease any of these pressures, but it is more than a symbolic act. It is a valuable reminder that salmon are important to British Columbians, tying us with our past, each other and the environment.
SPORT FISHING AT THE FORE
A recently published B.C. Statistics report recognizes sport fishing as the largest creator of economic activity in all fishery sectors in B.C. and accounted for revenues of $936.5 million (freshwater and tidal) in 2011.
“We’ve always thought that sport fishing creates the greatest value for each fish caught,” says Owen Bird, executive director of the Sport-fishing Institute of B.C. “It’s nice to see these important facts set out in a detailed economic analysis.”
Your bucket list just got a little shorter
Big skies, big tides and even bigger fish. That’s what you’ll find at the MV Charlotte Princess, moored off the northern tip of Haida Gwaii in the remote Queen Charlotte Islands. The waters run thick with millions of salmon migrating south from Alaska. The Charlotte Princess is an all inclusive 135’ luxury yacht with every amenity you could ask for. It’s truly a fisherman’s dream.
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P EREGRINE LODGE PHOTO
Salmon Stamp Revenue Returns to B.C.
BY DR . BRIAN RIDDELL , P RESIDENT & CEO, PACIFIC S ALMON F O uNDATION
M ARCH 21, 2013 WAS A BRIGHT DAy for British Columbia’s wild Pacific salmon, the recreational fishing industry, and B.C.’s community salmon volunteers.
After two years of discussions, the 2013 federal budget committed to returning 100 per cent of income from the Salmon Conservation Stamp to B.C. Since 1996, the Pacific Salmon Foundation has received $1.00 from the sale of each $6.00 adult stamp purchased, and $4.00 from each stamp purchased by a juvenile under 16 years of age. The new increase in funds will mean approximately $1 million more per year for community salmon conservation projects funded through the Foundation.
While the Foundation led the discussions, the success of the proposal was a result of the support from several groups. Members of the Harper Government caucus provided key support including, MP Andrew Saxton who championed the proposal, as well as MP’s Randy Kamp, Mark Strahl, Richard Harris and Minister James Moore. The Sport Fish Advisory Board wrote in support of the proposal, and 20 business leaders in B.C. signed a letter of support directed to Finance Minister Jim Flaherty.
B.C.’s community volunteers, however, were the heart of the proposal’s success. Their ability to leverage funds by an average of 10:1 for each dollar from the stamp provided a convincing business case. Of
course, the proposal couldn’t have been successful without the support of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and staff of the department.
The increased funding will help the Foundation meet all of its current requests for community projects involving habitat restoration, smaller-scale enhancement facilities and production, community planning and education.
But as the Foundation looks to diversify its programs to better meet the needs of Pacific salmon, it fully expects the demand for funds to increase. Diversification will include restoring Chinook and coho production in the Strait of Georgia, broadening activities to support sustainable fisheries and identifying the future needs of the recreational fishery in B.C.
Key programs that support the recreational fishing industry could also benefit from salmon stamp income, such as the Certified Tidal Angling Guide program, which establishes best standards and practices for B.C. fishing guides, including knowledge of local species and the environment. Stamp income could also ensure funding for coast-wide catch monitoring and sampling to better evaluate fisheries decisions, or provide funding for research issues that hold back recreational fishing opportunities.
To fully appreciate the scope of challenges facing Pacific salmon, one need only look at the 75 recommendations made
in the recent Cohen Commission Sockeye Enquiry report. Some have suggested that increasing the stamp fee would be a logical next step to help address these challenges; especially considering the reduced role of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
The Foundation is committed to continuing dialogue with salmon user groups and stakeholders to solicit input about the best use of salmon stamp funds, especially any proposal to increase the value of the Salmon Conservation Stamp.
The Foundation recognizes its role as administrators of stamp funds. It will continue to direct funds to efficient projects and to provide leadership in defining current issues. The Foundation’s work with the stamp is certainly not done, but the future is certainly much brighter.
a bove: a rtist Bill munsie signs copies of the 2013-14 salmon Conservation stamp, which features his winning image. munsie’s salmon paintings have been featured on the stamp a record six times. Photo courtesy of the Pacific salmon foundation.
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Buzz On
Tugwell Creek Honey Farm and Meadery exposes the not-so-secret life of bees
T HE DRONING HuM of busy bees fills the air as dark flecks swirl around my head. Robert Liptrot, co-owner of Tugwell Creek Honey Farm and Meadery, lifts the lid off a hive, revealing a mass of honeybees crawling about inside. He casually reaches in with his bare hands and uses a metal tool to pry out a frame filled with glistening honeycomb. In doing so he accidentally drops the tool on a few dozen bees that react with terrifying ferocity.
“Yeah, they get really mad when I do that,” says Liptrot with casual concern.
I’m not so carefree. Every muscle in my body is taut as I brace for the worst. I resist the urge to run.
Fortunately, the bees soon settle down and get back to the business of making honey. Once I relax I’m able to peer into the hive for an up-close and personal look at one of nature’s great wonders.
Inside the hive thousands of industrious black-and-tan honeybees are filled with a sense of purpose, converting pollen into amber honey inside geometric combs. In the course of doing so they have been responsible for cross-pollinating tens of thousands of local plants, many of which we depend on for food.
Incredibly, they accomplish all this in a short lifespan of six to eight weeks.
Notwithstanding this magnificent achievement, the bees are utterly indifferent to my presence and appreciation, which further fills me with a sense of awe and tranquility about the natural order.
This, in part, explains the fascination many people have with bees, and why more and more are taking interest in amateur beekeeping like never before.
“It’s quiet, pleasurable work,” says Liptrot. “ It gets you into the moment and can be very relaxing, provided bears aren’t pacing around nearby.”
He adds that beekeeping satisfies in other ways, too: “It appeals to all ages on a variety of levels.
“Humans have been keeping bees for millennia so there is a social connection with our ancient ancestors.
“People are also more aware of environmental concerns like bee colony collapse, and how critical bees are to pollination and our food supply.
“The local food and health movements have also highlighted the value of small-scale beekeeping and honey products.
“Others see it as a cottage industry that can provide affordable honey and a bit of money.
“Then there are those who are just interested in learning about bees.”
Liptrot appreciates this better than most. He became fascinated with bees at the age of six when he started helping a neighbor in Vancouver keep bees, rewarded for his efforts with pieces of fresh honeycomb.
He further explored the secret life of bees at university, eventually earning a Masters Degree in Entymology. Since then he has made beekeeping and mead-making his life’s work with partner, Dana LeComte.
The pair purchased Tugwell Creek Honey Farm in 2003 and established Western Canada’s first meadery the same year. Since then they have won numerous awards for their hand-crafted meads, and their artisan honeys are highly
a piarist r obert l iptrot inspects a hive at tugwell Creek h oney f arm and m eadery. Photo by g arth e ichel.
prized by local foodies. Liptrot doesn’t take credit for his wares, though: “I don’t make honey; I just steal it from the bees.”
The benefits don’t flow one way, though. There are few other bee advocates as committed as Liptrot. He is happy to share his wealth of knowledge with budding apiarists, and to that end he teaches amateur beekeeping at Royal Roads university each year, while actively promoting bees through social media, and participating in apicultural research projects.
He is also sounding the clarion call for changes to agricultural practices. He is concerned the effects large scale agri-business and certain commercial pesticides are having on bee populations.
“Nature never intended for bees to be commercially transported in large numbers to meet the pollination needs of large-scale agriculture. We’ve already seen that in California where bee populations are collapsing.” He adds, “Bees are an indicator species. They are the canary in the coal mine and it’s difficult to know what might happen if they disappear.”
Fortunately, Liptrot’s dire warnings are easier to take with a glass of mead. To that end, we retire to Tugwell Creek’s tasting room where he pours a flight of mead wines.
We start with a Harvest Melomel 2011, which is pale rose in colour, fruity, floral, light-bodied and slightly sweet. A perfect porch-pounder for a hot summer day.
Next I try the Original Sin Apple Quince Cyser 2012, a curious blend of honey mead and apple cider that is pale gold in the glass with a slight spritz. It is generous in aromas of wild flowers and botanical herbs, with sweet honey and tart apple on the palate.
Rounding out the line-up is a Wassail Blush — Sweet Berry Dessert Mead 2011. Amber in colour it has pronounced smells of honey, wildflower and oak barrel effect, manifesting as flavours of vanilla, brown spice, butterscotch and caramel.
Feeling the need for mead, I purchase a bottle of each, along with three different honeys — fireweed, wildflower and field blossom. My, how sweet it is!
note: tugwell Creek honey farm and meadery is located at 8750 West Coast road, just west of sooke. it is open for tastings and self-guided tours, Wednesday through sunday, 12 pm to 5 pm, between may 1 and september 30; weekends only, from 12 pm to 5 pm, between October 1 and a pril 30.
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