BMSC Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre

Photo credit: Jenni Schine

The Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC), the University of Victoria, and Ocean Networks Canada are organizing a 2-weeks workshop on biophonics.

Dates:

Week one (at the BMSC): August 17–21, 2026

Week two (at the University of Victoria): August 24–28, 2026

The term biophonic, coined by soundscape ecologist Bernie Krause, refers to the sounds produced by living organisms. This workshop builds on the concept by emphasizing the relational and ecological dimensions of sound; how we perceive, interact with, and are shaped by our sonic environment.

Although we are constantly immersed in sound, it remains an underexplored dimension in the sciences, social sciences, and arts. Biophonic Worlds invites students to engage with sound not only as a sensory experience, but also as a powerful medium for research, storytelling, and creative expression. Through an interdisciplinary blend of biology, Indigenous studies, anthropology, and the arts, students will explore the sonic richness of the traditional Huu-ay-aht First Nations territory’s coastal environments, particularly the marine and rainforest ecosystems surrounding the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC) in British Columbia, Vancouver Island.

The workshop introduces the foundations of acoustic communication, soundscape studies, data sonification, and the anthropology of sound through lectures, lab exercises, and immersive fieldwork.

Topics include:

• Acoustic principles and deep listening
• Decolonial and Indigenous approaches to research in sound
• Reflections on relational connections with the land and waters through sounds
• Soundscape and acoustic ethnography methodologies
• Data sonification
• The soundwalk as a research and artistic method
• Concepts of voice, noise, silence, and music
• Sound edition and montage
• Geographic identification of sound sources and soundmarks
• Techniques in audio recording (including underwater), editing, and electroacoustic composition
• Live performance and live manipulation of recorded works

Skills & Outcomes

Students will learn to perceive and analyze sound in interpersonal, social, environmental, and artistic contexts. In the latter part of the workshop, they will collect field recordings and develop individual sound-based projects. These may include:

• Science communication
• Quantitative analysis of ecological soundscapes
• Place-based storytelling
• Sound art or electroacoustic composition
• Language revitalization project combined with songs and stories

Community Engagement

As part of this workshop, we will discuss with the Huu-ay-aht First Nations in designing and creating a sonic project in collaboration with members of the community. This project will emerge as we visit the community and the land, and in conversation with Dr. Tommy Happynook and members of the Nation.

Registration and academic credit

Students will register for the workshop through the BMSC. To receive credit (which is not mandatory), students will also need to register for a 1.5 credit directed study (ANTH 495 / ANTH 590 / ANTH 690F or ANTH 690G) at the University of Victoria under the supervision of Dr. Alexandrine Boudreault-Fournier or Dr. Tommy Happynook. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. This workshop is open to graduate students and 4^th-year undergraduate students.

Important note regarding accommodation and food

Accommodation and food at BMSC (week 1) are included in the price of registration, but not in the second week of the workshop, which is taking place in the Department of Anthropology at UVic (Cornet B237). Students will have to find accommodation and cover their personal expenses during week 2.

Registration capacity: 10–12 students

Equipment: Students are invited to bring their laptop, and their sound gear, including headphones, sound recorder, mixer, microphones, etc.

Boat Use: There will be no opportunity for students to drive boats during this workshop. Boat driving is not recommended for this workshop.

Prerequisites: This is a graduate seminar for MA and PhD students. We also welcome 4^th year standing undergraduate students. You do not need to have any sound recording / composition background to register to the workshop.

Physical requirements: Although this workshop does not include any physical exertion or challenge beyond that expected in any of the BMSC’s field courses, this course may include physical activities trips to intertidal field sites involving getting on and off boats and traversing slippery rocks.

Required Text: There is no required textbook; readings will be provided by the instructor.

To apply: Send an email to the three instructors Dr. Alexandrine Boudreault-Fournier (alexbf@uvic.ca), Dr. Tommy Happynook (tommyh@uvic.ca) and Dr. Dave Riddell (riddelld@uvic.ca) stating your interest in registering to the workshop. Include a short bio (100-150 words) and a short paragraph explaining your interest in participating to the workshop. Let us know if you have any questions.

Deadline to contact the instructors: Monday June 8, 2026; and to register June 22, 2026