As the new school year approaches, a number of students are preparing to focus their studies on addressing important issues like climate change, environmental sustainability, and the future of freshwater fisheries in B.C. To support their academic studies, the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC has awarded scholarships to four outstanding students who have demonstrated both a strong dedication to their pursuits and gained valuable practical experience over the past year.

Selena Carl, Joe Clark, Peter Mckeen, and Joshua Wesley each received a $1,500 scholarship to support their studies at Thompson Rivers University, the University of Northern British Columbia, and Vancouver Island University.

“We’re proud to support these students in their academic endeavours,” says Tammy Longbottom, Director of Human Resources at the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. “These scholarships highlight the strong commitment we’re seeing from individuals who want to make a meaningful impact in this field. The exceptional quality of applicants this year reflects the talent in the field and is an encouraging sign for the future of freshwater fisheries in B.C.”

Since 2008, the Society has awarded scholarships to 60 students, with a total value of $97,500. These scholarships support students pursuing post-secondary education in fish culture or natural resource management in B.C. To qualify, applicants must have completed at least one year of post-secondary studies and plan to continue, with the goal of working in the province’s fisheries field. The scholarships are open to students at any stage of their post-secondary education.

2025 Scholarship Recipients

Selena Carl

Selena was born and raised in Kelowna, B.C. She spent countless hours camping and fishing with her late father and family, which taught her respect for the natural world, and sparked a fascination for salmon. This passion led Selena to take an Ecology and Evolutionary Biology degree at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO). From there she worked for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) as a stock assessment technician, which cemented her interest in fisheries work. She then worked for Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) at the kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓  Hatchery, where she worked on salmon enhancement, broodstock collection, hatchery rearing, and community outreach. This work led her to her current Masters work at Thompson Rivers University. Selena’s research focusses on sub-yearling chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the Okanagan River system. Using acoustic telemetry, she is investigating their survival and behaviour – a project co-developed and supported by both DFO and the ONA. 

Upon completion of her Master’s degree, Selena intends to pursue a position as a conservation biologist with a specialization in at-risk species. “It would be incredibly meaningful to work at the interface of aquatic and terrestrial conservation – protecting not only fish populations but also the broader ecological networks they support. Whether through research, enhancement, or habitat restoration, I aim to contribute to projects that safeguard biodiversity and promote ecosystem resilience across B.C. and beyond,” Selena says.  

This scholarship from the Freshwater Fisheries Society will support Selena’s continued studies in her Master’s program, and enable her to present her work at various international conferences. 

Joe Clark

Joe grew up exploring the Canadian Shield lakes and rivers of eastern Manitoba and northwestern Ontario, which sparked his passion for the outdoors, and fascination with fish. After a rewarding decade in the automotive and aviation industries, Joe decided to return to school to explore the possibilities of applying his passion for fish professionally as a biologist. A diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology from Vancouver Island University (VIU) set him up with the knowledge and skills required to get his start in fisheries biology, and he is now in the final year of his bachelor’s degree in biology and aquaculture at VIU. Through his volunteer work with the Nanaimo and Area Land Trust performing restoration, monitoring, and other stewardship work, Joe began working with the British Columbia Conservation Foundation, where he is currently employed as a fisheries technician, working with a team of technicians and biologists toward the delivery of multiple fisheries research projects. Moving forward, Joe is planning on graduating and continuing in fisheries research, with an undergraduate research project planned for the 25/26 academic year on the ecology of coastal cutthroat trout, and a long-term goal of becoming a registered professional biologist with B.C.’s College of Applied Biologists.

Peter Mckeen

Peter grew up in the Foothills of Alberta. Throughout his younger years, he developed a growing passion for wildlife and conservation initiatives, stemming from his wonderful mom who was a zookeeper at the Calgary Zoo. Before attending his first year at the University of Northern B.C., he enrolled in a Bachelor of Science program in wildlife and fisheries. He had little knowledge of the many opportunities present in the fisheries field. In his first week of university, he was offered a position as one of the founding executives of the fisheries club at the school. Throughout the year he grew incredibly fond of the culture, people, and initiatives he was able to discover along the way by fundraising, and promoting the importance of aquatic ecosystems, with the incredible team behind the club. Moving into the club’s second year, he has taken over as president and he is incredibly ambitious to further promote the club’s voice for aquatic conservation and outreach, hoping to introduce many, just like himself, into this incredible and broad field.  

For his career following his education, he wishes to contribute to conservation research across the Rockies, working to protect both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems hand-in-hand from growing, unscientific, industrial expansions which threaten critical habitats.  

“It’s been a blessing being able to gain such valuable experiences and memories with the crew at Summerland Trout Hatchery, who treated me with nothing but kindness, respect, and education from day one,” says Peter. “I’m so grateful for my parents, as well as all my peers in the fisheries club and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC who got me to this point, so thank you all!”

Joshua Wesley

Joshua is Gitxsan from Gitsegukla First Nation (Wilp Wii Gyet) and Tsimshian on his mother’s side. Born and raised in his community, Joshua grew up immersed in the land and cultural practices that have sustained his people for generations. From a young age, he learned to hunt, fish, and harvest alongside his family – experiences that not only built strong survival skills, but also instilled within him a deep sense of responsibility to his territory, culture, and community.  

These teachings inspired Joshua to pursue an education that would allow him to protect and care for the environment in a way that honours both western science and Indigenous knowledge. After completing the Aboriginal University Bridging Certificate at Vancouver Island University, he transitioned into the Resource Management Officer Technology (RMOT) diploma program. He plans to continue into a bachelor’s degree in natural resource protection. His long-term goal is to build a career in wildlife and fisheries management, focussing on the intersection of environmental sustainability and Indigenous self-determination, in accordance with Gitxsan laws and responsibilities.  

The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC was created in 2003 and is a not-for-profit organization, funded mainly through freshwater fishing licence revenues. In partnership with the Province, the Society annually stocks six million trout, char, and kokanee in 800 lakes throughout B.C. It also manages special hatchery programs for endangered species (including white sturgeon) and conducts fisheries research, educational, and conservation programs.  The Society is committed to making angling more accessible for all.

Media contact  
Tammy Longbottom, Director, Human Resources 
Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC