Recently, the E-Club and the Environmental Science 11 class partnered together to conduct the annual study of fish population in Shawnigan Lake. For the third year in a row, lethal sampling using gill nets was incorporated. Once set, the nets were left in the lake for 24 hours. After the 24 hour period, the netted fish were collected, sorted, then brought back to Mr. Noble's lab. Data on length, mass and gender for each fish was recorded. This year's catch included 11 rainbow trout, 8 cutthroat trout, 2 kokanee, and 28 of the invasive yellow perch. The dead fish were then donated to Pacific Northwest Raptors to be used as food for the various birds of prey in their care. The data we collected is going to be sent to the B.C. Ministry of Environment to provide useful insight on the population and species of fish in Shawnigan. The E-Club, in conjunction with the Science Department, has been taking part in this long term ecological research project since 1997.

– Scott Noble