BMSC Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre

This intensive, field-based course introduces students to the science and practice of coastal restoration ecology, with a focus on kelp forests, shellfish systems, and salmon populations on the Pacific coast. Students will engage directly with active restoration initiatives, integrating ecological theory, Indigenous stewardship perspectives, and applied restoration technologies. Emphasis is placed on climate resilience, scalability, and real-world restoration decision-making.

Skills & Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain ecological principles underpinning coastal restoration
• Compare restoration strategies across kelp, shellfish, and salmon systems
• Understand field and hatchery/nursery methods used in active restoration
• Evaluate restoration success under climate change
• Design a site-specific restoration proposal

Boat Use: There will be no opportunity for students to drive boats during Coastal Restoration Ecology. Boat driving is not recommended for this course. Students who wish to drive boats at BMSC must hold a PCOC and valid first aid certificate and will participate in an introductory boat check-out on the first day of orientation.

Prerequisites: Third or fourth year standing in Biological Sciences, Earth and Ocean Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Resource Management, or equivalent. Completion of an introductory Ecology course and an introductory Statistics course are required prerequisites for this course.

Physical requirements: Although this course 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 such as a cold water snorkeling trip involving swimming short distances in a wetsuit, and many 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.