Ocean Optimism Speaker Series Sheila Byers

The Ocean Optimism Speaker Series aims to provide hope in these challenging times by educating the community on exciting ocean initiatives.

Glass Sponge Reefs (GSRs) are ancient, unique habitats in the world and a diversity of marine life thrive and depend on the reef communities for their home. GSRs in Howe Sound were recently protected by Fisheries and Oceans Canada as Marine Refuge Conservation Areas. Yet the sponges and reefs continue to be damaged by bottom-contact fishing activities. How do we ensure that the GSR communities are protected for the long term?

Sheila Byers has volunteered with the Marine Life Sanctuaries Society since 2007 as an educator and researcher to protect marine life diversity and sustainability in Howe Sound, especially the rockfishes and glass sponge reefs. She works at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, UBC as the Curatorial Assistant of the Marine Invertebrate Collection.

A warm thank you to our presenting sponsor, the Sunshine Coast Foundation, for making the Ocean Optimism Series possible!