Robson Bight Warden Program

HISTORY OF THE RESERVE
The summer of 2007 marked twenty five years since the establishment of the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve (RBMBER) by BC Parks. BC Parks (2003) establishes Ecological Reserves for the:
• preservation of representative examples of British Columbia's ecosystems
• protection of rare and endangered plants and animals in their natural habitat
• preservation of unique, rare or outstanding botanical, zoological or geological phenomena
• perpetuation of important genetic resources, and
• scientific research and educational uses associated with the natural environment
RBMBER in particular was selected as an area “to preserve representative and special natural ecosystems, plant and animal species, features and phenomena. Scientific research and educational purposes are the principal uses of ecological reserves” (BC Parks 2003). The protected area status represents BC Parks’ commitment to the preservation of wildlife habitat and distinctive ecosystems.
The Johnstone Strait Killer Whale Committee (a joint committee of BC Parks and Fisheries and Oceans Canada) Background Report (1991) states that the RBMBER was established to protect key habitats for killer whales and prevent whale harassment while using these habitats. It also contributes unique opportunities to research and observe whales, and serves to protect a pristine estuary, shoreline and vegetated slopes.

RBMBER WARDEN PROGRAM
The RBMBER Warden Program began in 1987. The objectives of the Warden Program as outlined in the recommendations of the Johnstone Strait Killer Whale Committee are:

• ensuring that whale disturbance is reduced in the area of RBMBER
• enhancing public understanding of the RBMBER and whale watching guidelines
• conducting vessel/whale monitoring to assist in the development of long-term management strategies; and
• verifying and compiling data in a standard format.

During 1991 – 1999 the program was operated by bion research inc. Subsequently, Beaveridge Contracting operated the contract from 2000 - 2002. The Johnstone Strait Killer Whale Interpretive Centre Society (JSKWICS) operated the program in 2003 and 2004. cetus research & conservation society was established in January 2005 and has operated the warden program since 2005.

If you are interested in volunteering with the warden proram click here