A Fish Biologist's Portfolio
Hi! My name is Charlene. I started Something's Fishy in 2006 on the principle of encouraging the health and happiness of aquarium fish and the conservation and protection of wild fish.
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I am originally from Kitchener, ON, and started my marine biology degree at the University of Guelph. I moved to British Columbia in 1997 to study saltwater fish and live like a hippie on the coast! I earned my BSc in Fisheries and Aquaculture from the University of Vancouver Island and completed my thesis work on ageing cartilaginous fishes including sharks.
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I earned my MSc at UBC as a fish biologist/ecologist in 2004. My master's thesis was actually very exciting! Most of the salmon species farmed on the west coast are Atlantic salmon, from the east coast. Many worry that escapees, diseases, etc from Atlantic salmon will interfere with native Pacific salmon species like Chinook and Coho. So, I got ALOT of permission from the BC and the Ontario governments, found funding, and released farmed Atlantic salmon into Bronte Creek, ON. I released them close to the Hamilton harbour, after I implanted EMG tags into them so I could follow them up the river and monitor their energy levels. I wanted to watch spawning interactions that might occur between my Atlantic salmon and the Chinook salmon, which already spawn in Bronte Creek. Well, I was expecting to see spawning interactions but instead watched ALL of my Atlantic salmon be massacred! The Chinook salmon beat the heck out of my fish! There was no competition for spawning territory, there was only death, and me walking around the river looking for the implanted tags that had been torn apart with my fish. My findings were huge with respect to the possibility of farmed Atlantic salmon competing out west with native salmon. I became a professional biologist and contributed towards the responsibility and sustainability of farming fish. I also learned that not many fish can beat a Chinook (Steelhead from northern BC not included).
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I have had the privilege of working with many different species of fish throughout my career thus far. I have farmed Atlantic, Coho, and Pink salmon in the middle of the ocean on floating sea-cage systems - the best sleeps I have EVER had. I have worked in hatcheries with Rainbow trout and Brown trout. I managed a smolt farm in the Queen Charlotte Strait and built a sea-cage system from scratch in the very cold Kyuquot Sound. One of the greatest opportunities I had was working in research and development with the Dept of Fisheries on farmed Blackcod (Sablefish) and Halibut. Fishermen would bring the Blackcod to my farm and I helped develop proper husbandry skills including how to get them to eat pellets. I also worked with White Sturgeon in captivity in the same way, and got them to eat pellets by hiding them in homemade fish/krill sausages we made. Eewww, but the fish loved them!
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Throughout my 20's I spent more time in and under the water then I did on land I am sure. I earned my Master Diver and Commercial Diving certifications. So, I started my first contract business called CL Diving and Contracting on Vancouver Island. I had the opportunity to work with government sectors, independent companies, and First Nations. I was involved in many fish projects including my work on the Quantum River in Northern BC. I worked with the Klahoose First Nation and came up with a fisheries strategy for this entire water system including fish habitat restoration, fish population analysis, and fish farming at the mouth. My dog, Zeus (who kept bears away), and I lived in that river. I can tell you every turn, every waterfall, every underwater cave in that river. My heart will forever be in the Quantum River.
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In 2006 I returned to Ontario as my mother was not well, and I got knocked up! So, I started Something's Fishy and now service aquariums, ponds, aviaries, and terrariums while I raise my son. I love it!! It is the most peaceful job I have ever had and people are always so grateful for my expertise. If one were to be more specific you could say that I am an Evolutionary Biologist and an Ecosystem Ecologist. That is, I would give a limb to have lunch with the great Charles Darwin. The thing is, I don't just take care of aquariums - using my experience with fish and my aquaculture and ecological skills, I am able to build beautiful self-sustaining ecosystems. I presently have 39 ecosystems that I maintain all over the Grey and Bruce and North Wellington Counties in Ontario. Throughout my time of living in this area I have also had the privilege of expanding my portfolio and learning about and working with other animals including some birds, sheep, cattle, and reptiles. Soooo many more fish and other animals to learn about on this planet!
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Why do I love fish so much? The incredible hidden strength in the movement of a Shark, the true natural beauty of a fully grown Rainbow Trout, and the unwavering dedication, focus, and sacrifice of the Salmon life cycle......it is indeed the magnificence of life. :)
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