Small Actions, Big Waves.

A citizen science program taking place in the lands and waters of Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw territory on Vancouver Island.

What is Citizen Science?

Let’s start here!
Citizen science is the practice of everyday people like us participating and collaborating in research projects to increase scientific knowledge.
Through our tours, and especially through photos and collection efforts, we can contribute to longterm monitoring in our region.

All of the waves crashing powerfully along our coast once began from the smallest of ripples across the Pacific Ocean.

All it takes is a ripple.
Together, we can create waves.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Contribute to Conservation

The intention of this program is simple: it’s your chance to leave an experience knowing you directly contributed to ongoing efforts to conserve and protect our coast.

Your Adventure, Your Terms

This project has been thoughtfully designed to be a complementary offering alongside our usual tour elements.

These citizen science programs are completely optional to participate in.

Because after all, it’s your adventure.

iNaturalist Partnership

As part of our Small Actions, Big Waves program, Spirit of the West has partnered with iNaturalist, one of the world’s leading citizen science platforms.
Each observation logged supports a global biodiversity database— contributing directly to real conservation science while deepening your connection to the natural world.

Our region-specific project has custom parameters and will only accept observations from these geographic locations: Johnstone Strait, Blackfish Sound + Broughton Archipelago Marine Park / Conservancy during the months of June-September.

Want to get ready to use it on your tour? Follow these simple steps:
1. Download the iNaturalist App + create a profile
2. Join our project here: Spirit of the West Adventure’s Citizen Science Program
3. Enter logs during your adventure! They will automatically be added to the project based off your tour location.*

Any and all species are welcome.

*Logs don’t need to be done in the moment, simply snap a photo or audio clip and upload it whenever is convenient for you.

All guests + staff are encouraged to make observations, however it is not a requirement.
At the end of the summer season, we will compile the submissions, categorize the species totals and share the final outcome with all of you!

MARINE DEBRIS COLLECTION

The goal of the Small Actions, Big Waves marine debris program is to implement a passive collection system within our tour framework.

As we often collect any marine debris found while out paddling during our tours already, this is simply a dedicated place to deposit any items found.

All marine debris will be recorded for monitoring purposes and taken to an Ocean Plastic Depot, a specialized recycling facility equipped for marine-related waste.

DEPOSIT LOCATIONS

✦ Whales & Wilderness Glamping Site
✦ Johnstone Strait Glamping Site
✦ Freshwater Bay Expedition Site
✦ Hanson Island Expedition Site

The dedicated collection bins can also serve as an interpretive opportunity to discuss ocean pollution, encourage learning and empower you, our guests, to keep an eye an out as you enjoy your tour.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MARINE DEBRIS?

Spirit of the West Adventures was proud to lead and complete a Marine Debris Removal project in the Discovery Islands in the fall of 2021 that saw epic amounts of debris removed from the coast— 45 metric tonnes in fact!

Visit our Marine Debris page to learn more.