A marine biologist will be sharing insights about “aquatic invaders” in the Fraser River.
While the Fraser River basin is home to thousands of native species that have lived here for time immemorial, it’s also home to non-native species that can create some serious problems. Ruby Banwait, community science lead at the Invasive Species Council of B.C., is the featured speaker at Fraser River Discovery Centre’s upcoming Faces of the Fraser event: Aces of the Fraser – Aquatic Invaders.
“As senior lead of community partnerships with the ISCBC, Ruby works to develop the organization’s Community Science Network, which aims to help people across the province prevent the spread of invasive species by providing opportunities to learn, report, and act in protecting BC’s biodiversity,” said Stephen Bruyneel, director of external relations and development. “She will present on some of the infamous aquatic invasive species that impact waterways such as the Fraser River, including both estuary and marine species, while providing examples of successful management work and actions we can all take to help protect our native wildlife.”
The virtual Faces of the Fraser event is taking place on Zoom on Thursday, May 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
“We look forward to Ruby’s insights and advice on invasive species and what can be done about them,” Bruyneel said in a news release. “As part of the event, there will also be a facilitated Q&A session.”
According to FRDC, Banwait has worked as a marine biologist across Canada for 14 years and has numerous conservation credentials to her name. She’s a member of the board of directors for the Canadian Network of Ocean Education and fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society.
Prior to her work with the Invasive Species Council, she helped to plan and launch the Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium in Newfoundland, a seasonal catch-and-release public aquarium that provides a template for eco-friendly wildlife education and tourism for organizations across Canada.
To register for the event or to get more information go www.fraserriverdiscovery.org/facesofthefraser.
Located at 788 Quayside Dr. on New Westminster’s waterfront, Fraser River Discovery Centre includes a variety of exhibits and programs related to many facets of the Mighty Fraser.
