Internship Dispatch: Eliza Preston

Greetings from the Pacific Coast!

I am spending my summer as a hired graduate researcher with the FishPeoplePlace lab. This position will provide all the foundational data for my graduate project to fulfill the Master of Marine Management (MMM) degree. A part of my role as a researcher involves travelling to Indigenous-led hatcheries in British Columbia to build relationships with and interview participants who are involved with these hatcheries. I am seeking to understand the social outcome of these hatcheries, mainly to understand why participants work at hatcheries and what they value about this work.

Observing sockeye salmon fry in a hatchery tank

This summer has been incredibly fulfilling so far, and I have discovered many opportunities to grow as both a researcher and an individual. This summer started with the privilege of completing The First Nations Principles of OCAP (ownership, control, access, and possession) Course. This gave me insight into the importance of doing research in a good way and partnering with Indigenous participants in each step of the journey. 

In this first half of the summer, I have also learned that outreach and relationship building require deep sincerity and an open mind. The humility to admit this is your first time doing any of this and working through until it clicks. I have learned the importance of saying yes to unexplored opportunities. I have learned that many people want to see you succeed, and most importantly, I have learned that the most effective way to connect with somebody is to slow down, listen, and ask questions.

Visiting the salmon intake area at a hatchery

One of the highlights of my summer thus far was a short visit to the Port Coquitlam area, where I was shown the intake spot for new salmon to one of the case study hatcheries. I stood in the forest, surrounded by old-growth trees, and watched the river run gently near me. Wild coho fry darted through the clear and shallow riverbed, and I was suddenly engulfed by the natural beauty that was around me. It appeared that the earth itself took a moment to exhale. I realized then that I had been living a very busy Vancouverite lifestyle, and the natural world gave me peace. In that moment, I felt solace that the research path I am on is worth all the long drives and late nights. 

Artwork seen at a visit to a community-run hatchery

I am grateful to both Dr. Hannah Harrison and Dr. Valerie Berseth for their continued support and encouragement on this project. I am also thankful for my wonderful lab mates at the FishPeoplePlace lab for ensuring I never feel too far away to be connected. I owe a large thank you to the hatcheries that have been so willing to not only participate but also to aid in my research and for all their wonderful suggestions. I cannot wait to continue working together.

Enjoying the serenity of Mossom Creek