The T’Sou-ke Nation Fisheries department and Marine Team work to protect and enhance the waters, habitat, and traditional food sources that sustain our community and lead conservation, monitoring, and emergency response efforts across the territory.
Our teams manage and monitor marine and freshwater resources throughout key areas including deMamiel, Charters, Ayum, and Muir Creeks, as well as Jordan River, working to sustain fish populations, protect habitat, and uphold our inherent rights to sustainably harvest from our traditional waters.
Fisheries Monitoring & Sustainable Harvesting
In partnership with local hatcheries and groups like the Pacific Salmon Foundation, our Fisheries Program supports stream surveys, salmon enhancement, PIT tagging, and fry releases. We also collect harvesting data and assess species such as crab, prawn, shrimp, and salmon.
Our fisheries team coordinates seasonal harvesting for member distribution as well as events and ceremonies, providing traditional foods like salmon, prawns, crab, and halibut. We also oversee T’Sou-ke clam tenures for depuration harvesting and manage halibut quota and commercial fishery activities aboard the Ocean Sunset.
Habitat Monitoring & Protection
We conduct habitat assessments in streams, estuaries, and spawning grounds, identifying restoration needs and advocating for the protection of sensitive areas against pollution, development, and climate change.
Using tools like eDNA sampling, light traps, and aerial surveys, we monitor for invasive species such as the European Green Crab, and assess eelgrass and other vital ecosystems in partnership with the Hakai Institute and Peninsula Stream Society.
The teams lead habitat restoration initiatives, shoreline cleanups, and the removal of ghost gear in collaboration with partners like the Coastal Restoration Society, Clean Coast, Clean Waters Initiative, and the Canadian Coast Guard.
Emergency Response & Spill Preparedness
We develop Geographical Response Strategies (GRS) in partnership with the West Coast Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC) to safeguard culturally and ecologically significant sites from marine spills.
Technology & Training
Our staff are certified in advanced marine safety and navigation, including Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP), First Aid, MED-A3, ROC-M, and RPAS drone licensing. Members of our team are also trained divers, certified to depths of up to 100 feet for underwater inspections and research.
Policy & Advocacy
The departments represent T’Sou-ke Nation in regional and national policy discussions, including Transport Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan, the Salish Sea Initiative, and marine shipping impact committees, ensuring our voices guide the future of marine governance.
T’Sou-ke First Nation is a proud co-owner of Salish Straits Seafoods, alongside Malahat, Snaw-naw-as, Tsawout, and Beecher Bay First Nations. This partnership supports Indigenous economic development and responsible stewardship in the seafood sector.
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Monday – Friday, 8:30-4:30pm
1000 Soses Snanet Rd, Sooke, BC, V9Z 0C1
250-642-3957
