IMAWG Calendar List

Earths' changing climate and environmental stressors presentglobal problems for the sustainability of marine ecosystems and management ofmarine resources. Scientists, policy makers, Indigenous peoples, andcommunities, at regional, national and international scales, must work togetherto identify the best pathway to take care of the ocean. This includesdeveloping actionable science through interdisciplinary and transboundaryresearch, the inclusion of human dimensions in research and management, and theinclusion of policy and regulatory decision makers in science processes tobridge the science/policy interface. Interdisciplinary science collaboration isneeded to understand complex issues, such as the impacts of climate extremes onmarine resources and coastal communities, cumulative impacts of multiplestressors, changes in biodiversity, and the effectiveness of marine protectedareas. Recent advancements in research and monitoring tools, artificialintelligence, as well as social and economic -oriented investigations showpromise in improving our understanding of marine ecosystems and our ability toresolve socioeconomic and environmental conflicts. Key is the communication ofscience, along with uncertainty and risk, to policy and decision makers. Researchby PICES expert groups can feed into actionable science, such as projections,status assessments, and solution-based science. The PICES 2026 annual sciencemeeting will bring together early, mid, and late- career ocean professionals todiscuss, develop, and advance science that is actionable for a rapidly changing

https://meetings.pices.int/about  general info

Science program

https://meetings.pices.int/meetings/annual/2026/PICES/Program 

Early bird registration by June 30^th 250cad, after300

https://meetings.pices.int/meetings/annual/2026/PICES/registration

The Island Marine Aquatic Working Group (IMAWG) is a First Nations collaborative that brings together 15 member First Nations from the Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Kwakwaka’wakw language areas on and around Vancouver Island. Its role is to support Firss Nations right based fisheries by providing a forum for collaboration, technical advice, information sharing. IMAWG itself is not a rights-holding or decision-making body; instead, it helps Nations coordinate, develop informed positions, and engage more effectively in fisheries co-management discussions.

ALL NATIONS WELCOME AND ENCOURGAGED TO ATTEND

The purpose of this meeting is to:

• Share the latest fisheries science, technical information, and policy updates.
• Discuss issues, priorities, and concerns among Indigenous organizations.
• Develop advice, recommendations, and a coordinated regional perspective.
• Prepare for future discussions with DFO and other governments during Tier Two and Tier Three meetings.

IMAWG meetings are intended to create a safe space for First Nation organizations to:

• Build a unified approach to fisheries management.
• Review scientific, technical, and traditional knowledge.
• Identify priorities and develop collective recommendations.
• Strengthen participation in fisheries co-management.
• Ensure Nations are well-informed before engaging directly with DFO.

The IMAWG Mid-Year Governance Meeting provides members with an opportunity to review progress made during the first half of the year, assess current priorities, and confirm the group's strategic direction for the remainder of the year.

The meeting will include updates on key initiatives, review progress against the annual work plan, discuss emerging issues and risks, and consider any governance matters requiring member input or decision. Members will also review organizational performance, resource considerations, and opportunities to strengthen collaboration and achieve shared objectives.

The meeting is intended to ensure accountability, support informed decision-making, and maintain alignment with IMAWG's strategic priorities. It also provides a forum for members to share updates, identify challenges, and agree on actions and priorities for the second half of the year.

By the conclusion of the meeting, members will have a clear understanding of progress to date, agreed-upon decisions, updated priorities, and next steps to support the successful delivery of IMAWG's objectives.

See FNFC website for details.

See FNFC website for details.

Title: Pacific Salmon Treaty RegionalWorkshop – Duncan, BC

Date:November 16, 2026

Time:9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Weinvite you to attend the upcoming Pacific Salmon Treaty (PST) Workshop,taking place at the Khowutzun Heritage Centre in Duncan on Monday,November 16^th, 2026. This invitation is for BC First Nations inthe region, and individuals working for First Nations/First Nationsorganizations.

Withthe PST set for renewal in 2028, the First Nations Fisheries Council (FNFC) isworking with the Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC) First Nations Caucus to engagewith First Nations broadly in preparation for re-negotiations. Part of theseengagements includes hosting a series of regional workshops with First Nationsover the next few years, aimed to explore the Pacific Salmon Treaty’s purpose,scope, and how the Treaty impacts fisheries management for First Nations in BC.Through these workshops, we hope to solicit feedback and input on key issuesfrom First Nations in BC that will inform First Nations Caucus participation atthe PSC and during the re-negotiations.

Aspart of this series, Island Marine Aquatic Working Group willco-host this session with the PSC First Nations Caucus, which will focus oninforming South Vancouver Island First Nations about the PSTnegotiation process and discussing regional priorities.

WorkshopHighlights:

• Presentations from DFO staff and First Nations Caucus members on the Pacific Salmon Treaty, roles in the Treaty process, and details of relevant chapters.
• Discussions with PSC First Nations Caucus Commissioners, Panel, and Technical Committee members to identify priorities and interests, and solicit feedback to inform PSC FN Caucus participation at the PSC.
• Format: Hybrid (In-person and virtual)

Agenda, meeting materials, and zoom link will be addedcloser to the workshop date.

Tosupport in-person participation, there is a set amount of funding available forhonoraria and travel costs. Our goal is to support as many participants aspossible, and requests will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.If you would like to request travel support, please contact FNFC (drew@fnfisheriescouncil.ca) with your travel plan and estimated budget by November 2^nd,and we will confirm what assistance may be available.

Welook forward to your participation in this important conversation. If you haveany questions about the workshop, please contact drew@fnfisheriescouncil.ca 

The Island Marine Aquatic Technical (IMAT) Technical Meeting is a Tier Two working group session hosted by the Island Marine Aquatic Working Group (IMAWG) that brings together Vancouver Island First Nations technical staff and biologists with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) science staff and other invited partners and guests. The meeting focuses on collaboratively reviewing the best available science and technical information to support improved fisheries conservation/management with foundation of supporting First Nations rights based fisheries.

Objectives

The meeting has two primary objectives:

• Build a collaborative technical partnership between IMAWG/IMAT, First Nations biologists and technical staff, DFO scientists and others.
• Jointly analyze technical information to develop advice and recommendations for First Nations and DFO fishery managers that improve conservation, sustainability, and First Nations access to fisheries.

Brief Description

The meeting provides a forum for technical experts to review current research, stock assessment data, and fisheries management issues, and other applicable information affecting species populations. Topics include:

• Assessing stock abundance and biomass data.
• Reviewing scientific literature.
• Discussing new information to management approaches and post-season reviews.
• Examining impacts on fisheries management effecting populations.
• Identifying opportunities for collaborative research and projects between First Nations and partners.

The overall purpose is to combine First Nations knowledge, technical expertise, and modern science to support evidence-based recommendations for sustainability and co-management of resources.