We mourn the loss of Josef (Joe) Bauer, who passed away on May 11, 2021.
Joe was a much loved fisherman, teacher, student, researcher, environmentalist, and social justice advocate, as well as a long-time Adjunct Professor with the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, and its previous incarnations.
Joe Bauer with his Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012)
The ecosystem was his classroom, and he joyously shared his knowledge. He researched innovations in fisheries around the world and brought his findings to fishermen and fisheries managers, working to make fisheries more easily understood and sustainable. He also brought this passion to his work with graduate students at the University of British Columbia to help them better understand fishers, fisheries management, our fisheries, and our coupled socio-ecological systems.
As a child, his German background led to some difficulties, particularly during the time of the World War II, however Bauer was quick to befriend and accept others, including Japanese Canadians who had been sent to internment camps. He also established strong friendships with the local Indigenous communities, which led to his being accepted by Coast Salish First Nations, and being adopted by the Nisga’a Nation. He has been mindful and respectful of Indigenous knowledge throughout his interactions with the natural world. This, in addition to his self-education through reading and his hands-on working experience, have made him a naturalist, passionate about marine biology and ichthyology
Fish truly were his passion. Friends tell stories about the huge aquarium set up that Joe had in his basement at his house in Steveston; at the time one of the largest private collections in the province. As the years went on most of the collection moved from his basement to the Vancouver Aquarium; in deed, Joe spent many years collecting specimens for the Vancouver Aquarium. Also, while most of his career was spent on the water he also worked for the Department of Fisheries.
In 1976, Joe was a member of the preservation group that helped rejuvenate the Gulf of Georgia Cannery in Steveston. On December 11, 1986, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society was incorporated and this abandoned fish cannery is now a thriving tourist attraction, working to preserve and promote the history of Canada’s West Coast fishing industry.
A long-time member of the auxiliary Coast Guard, Joe worked with the agency to increase fishermen’s safety at sea that foreshadowed the development of FishSafe protocols. He worked to memorialize those who did perish in our waters and designed the Steveston Fisherman’s Memorial, a giant fishing net needle inscribed with the names drowned fishermen raised in 1996. A member of the BC Council of Professional Fish Harvesters and United Fishermen & Allied Workers Union, he had also been a generous legacy supporter for aquatic life.
Joe Bauer with students from BIOL 420 course on ocean conservation and sustainability
Joe was deeply loved by British Columbia’s fishing community, and his impact on our knowledge, community and ecosystems will be felt for years to come.
Joe’s funeral service will take place on May 18, 2021 at 3:00 pm and can be livestreamed at http://www.livememorialservices.com/Home/ServiceDetail/13250
Tony Pitcher, professor: A couple of things about Joe. First he had a contract from FAO to go to Belize to show them how Canadian fishing gear is used sustainably. He often talked of his central America experience and was very proud of it. Second, Joe once saved a seal from being shot by other fishermen. It lived in his bathtub for some time with him and often travelled in his truck much to the intrigue of bystanders. He called it Josephine. Eventually he donated the seal to Vancouver Aquarium where it lived for some years.
Rashid Sumaila, professor: Joe was such a big fan of the Fisheries Ccentre, and later, the IOF. He was so proud to be the first and only local Steveston fisher to be named an Adjunct Professor at UBC! Joe would probably win an award for the one who attended the most Fish 500 seminars if there was one.
Joe Bauer teaching Dr. Mimi Lam, then a graduate student, how make a net.
William Cheung, professor: Joe was indeed one of our most consistent FISH500 Seminar attendees. Even back in the days when I was a grad student and was the coffee-making/donut-cutting person, he would be there early, waiting for the seminar, while I was preparing the refreshment. The chat with Joe, often mixed with his recount of fishing stories and knowledge, was always very enjoyable. Missing him.
Amanda Vincent, professor: I, too, was terribly sad to hear this news. Joe was so immensely knowledgeable and generous in sharing his experiences and understanding. I learned a lot, very enjoyably, from Joe. And was really impressed by his vast array of leadership contributions. Joe was hugely kind and wonderful in engaging with my BIOL 420 course on ocean conservation and sustainability. Joe also provided great support when students, UBC Food Services and I were working with SEEDS to more UBC towards only using sustainable seafood on campus. I well remember him talking - very compelling, it was too - to our gathering of Food Service providers from university and colleges from BC to California. He drew them wonderfully into sustainable seafood.
Andrés Cisneros-Montemayor, research associate: This is really sad news. I really grew close with Joe during my tour setting up the FISH500 seminar and snacks. We traded fishing stories (his were always more interesting) and just really chatted about whatever. When my parents (also in fisheries) came to visit from Mexico we would meet Joe in Steveston and talk fisheries all day. I remember one year Rhona Govender and I surprised Joe with a birthday lunch at a Steveston sushi restaurant and were both blown away with how he seemingly knew every person in that town, and was usually able to trade at least a few words back and forth in their first language. He was incredibly insightful about the changes to his community over the years and always embracing new people, new cultures and experiences. I'm really, really sad to hear this and will miss him sorely.
Maria (Deng) Palomares, research associate: A person of integrity and honor … and this is how I know Joe … nothing less …
Sarah Foster, research associate: Just wanting to echo everything being said here. I had many great conversations with Joe on a wide range of topics over the years - but the most memorable was when we met to discuss my upcoming PhD field season for which I was to spend six months at sea on an industrial shrimp trawler in the Mexican Gulf of Californiza. We were to talk logistics, but I was really nervous about it all (ok, terrified) and he saw right through me. Our meeting lasted much longer than planned as he listened to and discussed my concerns. I might not have gone if it weren’t for that conversation!! He definitely left the world a better place. Forever grateful to have known him.
Villy Christensen, professor: I come from fishing families and found it so easy to connect with Joe; always something to discuss, often about life as a fisher and fishing families. All of these emails highlight his unique ability to make one feel appreciated. I have the impression that we talked almost every Friday when he was out for our seminars, and somehow I only fully realize now, how many he made feel special and appreciated. And we are but a few of those he touched. I will miss him too.
Juan Jose Alava, research associate: Very sad news, indeed. I just knew Joe for a little while when he was always early and waiting for the opening of the seminar series each Friday morning, usually sitting outside or inside of the seminar room or coffee room. He was a charismatic and humble person with a gentle soul full of wisdom and experience, sparking through his eyes and presence. A special memoir about him was a day when he wrote me a kind message in 2016 by e-mail and warmly asking for a ppt copy of a seminar presentation to know more about marine pollution and climate change interactions. He was really eager to pursue more knowledge and understand the nature of things affecting fisheries and our oceans. Missing him, we will…