World Fisheries Trust, created in 1995, is a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to the equitable and sustainable use and conservation of aquatic biodiversity. It acts locally and globally. The approach is multidisciplinary, matching solutions to problems, not problems to solutions.
The organization is not an activist group, but rather works as an honest broker with all points of view and creditable scientific evidence.
We do scientific and social research, contribute to policy development and work on field implementation of solutions. Our particular expertise includes bridging the divide between technical solutions and societal realities, including tools for enhancing community engagement, public awareness, and societal equity.
The combination of local and international projects provides unique insights for this work, as well as providing a conduit between Canadian and international partners.
Mobile Seaquarium visits families at Jeneece Place
Jeneece Place resident Breanna and JP House Coordinator Christina explore the mobile seaquarium that was set up in the living room. The interactive mobile unit was used for a Seaquaria in Schools project through the World Fisheries Trust. It has proven to be a great educational tool and has had a calming and therapeutic effect on the families and staff at Jeneece Place.
Celebrate Oceans Day 2011 at the Gorge Waterway Education Centre!
In partnership with Esquimalt Parks and Recreation, we will be hosting a celebration on Sunday, June 5 th , 2011 from 1:00-3:30 pm at the Gorge Waterway Education Centre in Esquimalt Gorge Park.
This year's Oceans Day theme is “Youth – the Next Wave for Change” . The Ocean Project, an international network of over 1,000 aquariums, zoos, museums, and conservation organizations including World Fisheries Trust, is promoting and coordinating activities worldwide with a special focus on getting youth to think about conserving the world's oceans.
This day also marks the 3rd anniversary of the Gorge Waterway Education Centre (GWEC) , which opened on Oceans Day in 2008. Since then the centre has seen over 8000 visitors , has delivered over 75 environmental education programs to more than 1100 students and youth and has become an important part of the community.
Come experience Oceans Day at the Gorge Waterway Education Centre, where you can meet some local marine animals in our salt water Seaquarium! The Seaquarium touch tank and other hands-on educational displays will be available for the public to learn and explore.
There will also be music, food, crafts, face painting, canoe tours of the Gorge, interpretive walks and our 3D interactive model of the Gorge watershed.
For more information or to have a display booth at our event, please contact lindsay@worldfish.org.
Hope to see you there!
THANK YOU to everyone who made World Oceans Day 2010
a HUGE success!
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans published our research papers on the Impacts of Longline and Gillnet Fisheries on Aquatic Biodiversity and Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (which can be found by clicking HERE) and the Impacts of Fishing Gears other than Bottom Trawls, Dredges, Gillnets and Longlines on Aquatic Biodiversity and Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (which can be found by clicking HERE)
MLA Rob Fleming speaks to the Legislative Assembly about World Fisheries Trust's kick off event to National Environmental Education Week
Monday, April 12, 2010
Afternoon Sitting
Volume 13, Number 7
National Environmental Education Week
R. Fleming: National Environmental Education Week takes place this week from April 11 to 17. This year's theme is "Be water and energy wise," which speaks to our need for greater conservation in our lives, in our homes, in our places of work and in our businesses.
This is the largest organized environmental education event in North America.
Environmental Education Week increases the educational impact of Earth Day later this month by creating a full week of educational preparation, learning and activities in K-to-12 classrooms and in places like nature centres and zoos, museums and aquariums.
By participating in Environmental Education Week, students in my constituency and elsewhere across this province are being encouraged to make a difference in their schools and communities. World Fisheries Trust, which is a local non-profit education organization in my community, hosted the kickoff event at the Gorge Waterway Education Centre yesterday on Sunday, April 11, from 1 to 3 p.m., to begin National Environmental Education Week in Victoria.
Along with the Galiano Conservancy, the Sierra Club and the Greater Victoria Compost Education Centre, this week they will be showcasing hands-on education programs and displays that will be available in a variety of public locations and in our schools. The event is designed to celebrate and build awareness about the many opportunities for our citizens to be part of environmental education and stewardship in the capital region.
With very limited funding, the Gorge Waterway Education Centre has seen over 5500 people volunteer their time and come through their doors in less than two years. The centre has delivered over 40 different programs to nearly a thousand students and community members who are now trained, knowledgable and skilled in environmental stewardship. They're aware that we live in a time of climate change and adaptation.
Mr. Speaker, I invite all members of this House to join me in applauding the grass-roots organization, the sponsors and the many volunteers who put the 2010 event together. I also want to take this opportunity in the House today to express my support for the great work that the Gorge Waterway Education Centre has been doing.
World Fisheries Trust was a finalist at the 2008 Canadian Awards for International Cooperation. Alison Macnaughton (far right) accepted the recognition from Hon. Beverly Oda, Minister of International Cooperation.
The nomination was for the Brazil Inland Fisheries Project (2003-2007) in the category for the Sustainable Development of Natural Resources or Protection of the Environment.