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4. PODS PROGRAMS
4.1 Research – In Search of Discovery 4.2 Monitoring – Long-Term Trends
Local, national, and international researchers The PODS team has maintained long-term mon-
will fi nd support from PODS in their studies of itoring programs within the Pender
marine and freshwater ecosystems in our region. Some Harbour region since 2016. Current programs include the
potential research topics include Ocean Warming and Acidi- intertidal, forage fi sh, seagrass, salmonid escapement, in-
fi cation, Mitigating Pollution in Marine and Fresh Waters, vasive species, and pinnipeds, with plans to add six more by
Carbon Sequestration in Aquatic Ecosystems, Effects of 2021. The PODS lab facilities will assist us in our expansion
Sound on Marine Biota, Increasing Herring Recruitment, of these monitoring programs. Our goal is to collaborate
Spot Prawn Ecology, Impacts of Climate Change on Shell- with Universities, non-profi ts, and other groups to estab-
fi sh, and Economic Potential of Sea Urchin Harvesting. lish a Northwestern network of monitoring stations using
consistent protocols and methodologies.
4.3 Education – Hope for the Future 4.4 Protection – Conservation and
PODS will provide the public with a wide range Enhancement
of learning opportunities. Examples include PODS will have several initiatives that directly
Aquaschool, where students experience re- address local conservation and enhancement is-
search fi rst-hand alongside professional scientists; sec- sues, which will be informed primarily by our Research and
ondary school mentorship, involving project-based experi- Monitoring programs. The data we collect will be used to
ences that explore careers in ecological research, resource assist decision-makers with land-use issues, and to identify
management, and applied design; postsecondary fi eld locations that need additional and formalized protection.
courses in aquatic biology; the Jim Rossi School of Diving; PODS will also organize ecological stewardship programs
and the School of Performing Arts for aspiring actors, mu- that both conserve and enhance what we still have.
sicians, and writers.
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