Samantha Ramirez is a first-year master’s student at the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries (IOF). She is one of a small group of researchers at the IOF doing freshwater research. Her thesis project will examine how land use, flow regulation, and global warming affect water quality and the amount of oxygen in streams surrounding the Fraser River.
What drew you to the IOF?
I always said that I’d never do my master’s unless I completely loved the project that I’d be working on because I knew I’d be working on it for two years. I talked to previous grad students who said, “make sure you love the work you’re doing because it’s going to make it that much easier.” I had this idea that I really wanted to research the impacts of agriculture on aquatic ecosystems, specifically stream ecosystems. The project that my supervisor, Jordan Rosenfeld, had in mind was exactly the thing I was looking for.
Which part of your project excites you the most?
Definitely the field work! I’m in this program because I love being outdoors and I love being outside and studying the natural environment, so seeing the project come to life is what I’m most excited for.
How will your project help with fish conservation efforts?
I’m going to be creating a model that will predict the hypoxic (lack of oxygen) conditions of streams in the near and far future (e.g. 20, 30, 80 years from now). I want to provide that information to governmental organizations, so they know where to focus their conservation efforts in terms of which streams are going to be the most impacted by our changing environment. Freshwater conditions will impact Coho salmon, a very economically and culturally important species in B.C., and also Salish sucker, which is a threatened Species at Risk.
You’re from Ontario. How are you finding Vancouver?
I love Vancouver. The first month I was here I was going to so many different areas of B.C., like Whistler and out towards Revelstoke. I’ve been taking advantage of being so close to the mountains and the ocean, going paddle boarding, scuba diving, rock climbing, and hopefully skiing soon. I think my parents were hoping that I wouldn’t love the West Coast and that I’d move back to Ontario right after my master’s, but so far that’s not looking good for them.
Tags: British Columbia, fish stocks, Freshwater, IOF students, Species distribution