Research in the field

In 2025, a research expedition to Porcher Island provided the first opportunity to put this partnership into practice. Biology student Michael Zhang from the University of Calgary joined the Wilderness International team to gain hands-on experience applying what he had learned in university to real-world conservation research. Michael supported the team’s daily research, from biodiversity monitoring and wetland research to his own species inventory of the intertidal zone. He also documented his experience in a final report.

Fieldwork offers lessons that are difficult to replicate in a classroom. Researchers have to work in challenging terrain, adapt to changing conditions and collect reliable data while living and working together in remote wilderness.

During his time on Porcher Island, Michael gained practical experience in several areas of conservation research:

• Working in the field: Conservation research isn’t only about analysing data. It also means carrying equipment across rugged terrain, working outdoors in challenging conditions and living together in a remote field camp.
• Research methods: Guided by specialists including Chris Ketola, who leads biodiversity research, and Prof. Jürgen Kreyling, who works on wetland research, Michael learned to use camera traps and acoustic sensors and to collect soil samples.
• Biodiversity monitoring: Michael helped set up Malaise traps to collect insect samples. These samples can be analysed using environmental DNA (eDNA) to help researchers identify and document species and build a genetic picture of local biodiversity.

For BMSC, this kind of hands-on learning is an important part of preparing the next generation of researchers.

Research in the field
Future fieldwork on Porcher Island will build on existing baseline monitoring and help researchers better understand the biodiversity and ecological health of the area. The university network will also create opportunities for researchers to work in remote areas that are otherwise difficult to access.

Working with First Nations and local partners
Together with local First Nations, we’re exploring approaches to land management that bring different forms of knowledge to the table. The goal is to support long-term stewardship and keep important forest areas protected from commercial development.

Connecting research and education
Research is most powerful when its findings are shared. Through this partnership, scientific knowledge can contribute not only to academic research but also to educational programs that help more people understand the value of intact ecosystems.

Good conservation depends on understanding the ecosystems we’re working to protect. Research helps us see how forests, wetlands, rivers and coastal waters are connected — and gives us better tools to monitor change and make informed decisions.

By bringing researchers, students, universities and conservationists together, we can strengthen both scientific knowledge and practical conservation on the ground.