In the spring of 2010, while researching general fauna observations within the lake, the author became aware of a lack of “point of origin” knowledge regarding Cottus aleuticus cultus population (the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin). As a diver, naturalist, and someone who has spent many years studying fish behavior and habitat, I recognized that this was a unique case where favorable conditions allowed recreational divers the possibility of contributing meaningful information to a species data base. These conditions included:
After several initial dives, it became clear that a broader focus of investigation would be required to yield meaningful results, and a basic framework of study was envisioned for a project that would be carried out over a five year period. The project goals included:
A secondary consideration was the intent to create an opportunity that would allow other interested divers to participate in a science based project in a meaningful way; and to increase understanding and awareness of species at risk and conservation within that group.
- A lake maximum depth that fell within recreational diving's no-decompression limits. This allowed divers to conduct studies with relative safety.
- Ease of access along the Eastern shoreline would facilitate observation of a large portion of the lake, as well as different zones within it.
- The lake's central location would allow local divers to conduct many observational dives, throughout the year.
- Lastly, while recognizing the need for sound scientific methodology, the nature of the information being sought required no specialized skill sets or instrumentation, beyond basic camera equipment and the capacity for non-invasive observation. Divers could be educated to locate, observe and report their findings without harming the fish or its habitat.
After several initial dives, it became clear that a broader focus of investigation would be required to yield meaningful results, and a basic framework of study was envisioned for a project that would be carried out over a five year period. The project goals included:
- A basic survey of the lake's underwater topography, flora, fauna and structures; to gain a better understanding of the habitat.
- Observing and identifying possible contributing factors that might effect that habitat.
- Identifying possible locations for observing the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin and noting the behavior and interactions of the fish within that environment.
A secondary consideration was the intent to create an opportunity that would allow other interested divers to participate in a science based project in a meaningful way; and to increase understanding and awareness of species at risk and conservation within that group.
It was thought that the role of the project should be to act as a collector of raw data which could then be passed on to researchers and advocacy groups; acting as a set of underwater eyes to observe conditions or circumstances that might require further focus.
Once this framework was defined, the author contacted the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and established a means of communication, an understanding of the No Harm, No Harass, No Capture policies governing species at risk, and received initial resource images to aid in identification.
We then began conducting goal oriented dives in Cultus Lake and actively encouraged others to join in the process. A website was created and observations were posted along with video recordings of the dives. Along with biological data, we have also discovered WWII era boat wreckage (this information was later surveyed by members of the Underwater Archaeological Society of British Columbia), panels from a Bailey Bridge, a submerged dock and a 1950's era Austin Sedan.
Recently, skilled photographers have joined the group and high quality images are being added along with video documentation. We are very pleased to be producing some of the first high definition images of the fish in its natural habitat. These macro photographs are also uncovering new details such as micro species that co-exist within the habitat. We are also observing Pygmy Sculpin behaviors that were not previously documented.
Today, a large part of our initial goals have been met but there are still questions that remain to be answered - in particular, where the Pygmy Sculpin spawns. Divers continue to look and the public is being informed of the project via social media. Interest from other diving groups who are creating environmental projects within their own locales is also being generated.
Once this framework was defined, the author contacted the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and established a means of communication, an understanding of the No Harm, No Harass, No Capture policies governing species at risk, and received initial resource images to aid in identification.
We then began conducting goal oriented dives in Cultus Lake and actively encouraged others to join in the process. A website was created and observations were posted along with video recordings of the dives. Along with biological data, we have also discovered WWII era boat wreckage (this information was later surveyed by members of the Underwater Archaeological Society of British Columbia), panels from a Bailey Bridge, a submerged dock and a 1950's era Austin Sedan.
Recently, skilled photographers have joined the group and high quality images are being added along with video documentation. We are very pleased to be producing some of the first high definition images of the fish in its natural habitat. These macro photographs are also uncovering new details such as micro species that co-exist within the habitat. We are also observing Pygmy Sculpin behaviors that were not previously documented.
Today, a large part of our initial goals have been met but there are still questions that remain to be answered - in particular, where the Pygmy Sculpin spawns. Divers continue to look and the public is being informed of the project via social media. Interest from other diving groups who are creating environmental projects within their own locales is also being generated.