About Us
Watershed Watch Salmon Society is a science-based charity working to defend and rebuild B.C.’s wild salmon.
Our History
Watershed Watch Salmon Society was founded two decades ago by a small group of passionate conservationists. Led by ecologist Craig Orr, they noticed that while a lot of work relating to fisheries and habitat restoration was being done on the ground on local waterways, no one was pulling together the pieces to confront policy decisions at the federal and provincial levels.
Craig and his associates launched Watershed Watch Salmon Society to fill that gap, offering scientific expertise to policy makers, and highlighting the large scale issues affecting local waterways, from fish farms to climate change.
Our Work Today
Today, though Watershed Watch is still small, with a core staff of less than 10 people, we have grown into a highly effective advocacy organization. Our work is still grounded in sound science, and as always, we tackle the complex issues facing wild salmon through collaboration with other organizations and community groups.
Over the years, we’ve learned how to use digital tools to expand our reach, but at heart, we are still a bunch of fish enthusiasts. We love nothing more than getting out in the field in our rubber boots, to collect data or maybe to swing some flies.
Our Community
Watershed Watch Salmon Society involves many people beyond our paid staff and dedicated board members. We have thousands of supporters and a growing crew of volunteers who are passionate about wild salmon. Whether you read our emails, sign our petitions, donate, get out in your community to talk about our work or join us in the field, you are an important part of Watershed Watch.
“Volunteering at Watershed Watch is a fantastic way to learn about the dangers facing salmon, and how it is affecting indigenous people’s ways of life. I would recommend this diligent organization to anyone looking to volunteer.”
“Watershed Watch is an important ally for First Nations peoples in our continued struggle to safeguard wild salmon. The science provided is second to none and advocacy and support for First Nations is Five Star Gold Medal category. They are the organization I turn to every time I need science to support our work for the Kwikwasutinuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation, Union of BC Indian Chiefs and the First Nation Wild Salmon Alliance.”
Our Motivation
We love B.C.’s wild outdoors. We love B.C. wild salmon, and we are committed to bring back wild salmon to once again thrive in waterways across the province.
Meet our Team
Aaron Hill
Executive Director
Aaron thrives on combining science and policy expertise with hard-charging advocacy. His roots in rural northwest BC, and background in ecology and resource management give him a broad perspective on the importance of wild Pacific salmon to people and nature.
Dawn Roumieu
Operations Director
Dawn has a background in natural resources conservation, environmental non-profit management, and education. She is passionate about nature and committed to environmental stewardship and advocacy.
Stan Proboszcz
Senior Science and Policy Analyst
Stan has a solid foundation in campaign strategy, particularly how it dovetails with science. He focuses on supporting First Nations and other NGOs to defend wild salmon and their ecosystems from harmful industrial activities and government mismanagement.
Lina Azeez
Habitats Program Director
Lina has a background in community-based resource management and has worked extensively on protecting aquatic habitats and species at risk. She is working to reconnect and restore salmon habitat in the Lower Fraser watershed impacted by flood infrastructure.
Meghan Rooney
Science & Communications Coordinator
Meghan has worked for Watershed Watch as Field Coordinator since completing her Masters in Ecological Restoration in 2018. She mainly works on riparian restoration and water quality monitoring projects, in addition to hosting events and coordinating volunteers.
David Mills
Fisheries Advisor
By testing and assessing harvest management and certification frameworks, and providing support for on-the-ground harvest modernization, David is helping fishing communities create transparent harvesting plans that allow for vibrant, sustainable fisheries that support the rebuilding of at-risk populations of wild salmon and steelhead.
Lyndsay Fraser
Communications Specialist
Lyndsay Fraser supports the Watershed Watch team on all things communications. Her background in environmental biology, science writing, education, graphic design, and public communications supports her efforts to make science and conservation messaging accessible and engaging for broad audiences.
Craig Orr
Conservation Advisor
Dr. Craig Orr is our founder and former executive director. He continues to represent us on the Coquitlam River Watershed Roundtable and advises us and Kwikwetlem First Nation on various conservation issues, including the restoration of Coquitlam sockeye.
Tanis Gower
Project Biologist
Tanis Gower is a registered professional biologist from the Comox Valley who has been working on aquatic ecosystems restoration and water policy for over 20 years. She works with Watershed Watch on a range of projects related to water management and wild salmon.
Greg Taylor
Consultant and Fisheries Advisor
Greg Taylor has worked in the B.C. seafood industry for over 30 years. During his career he has chaired several industry associations and boards and has taken an active interest in developing sustainable salmon fisheries, working closely with First Nations.
Vicky Husband
Senior Advisor
Vicky Husband, noted environmentalist and recipient of the Order of Canada, is a seasoned advocate for sustainable fisheries, and a senior advisor to Watershed Watch. Vicky has given more than 40 years to conservation issues in B.C.
Board of Directors
Rosie Simms
Chair
Based in lək̓ʷəŋən territory, Rosie Simms has focussed on water policy and governance issues in B.C. throughout her training and career. She spends as much time as possible exploring the rivers, mountains and watersheds of Vancouver Island.
Preet Pall
Director
Preet Pall specializes in customizing employee benefits and executive benefits, with over 20 years of experience. She has an extensive background in charitable work. She also enjoys the outdoors and loves to travel.
Rich Ronyecz
Director
Rich Ronyecz was born and raised on Vancouver Island, and enjoys all outdoor activities, including the passionate pursuit of salt and freshwater fish. As a pharmacist, he seeks to be informed, especially on subjects affecting our watersheds and health.
Eric Hobson
Director
Eric Hobson has three decades of experience as an entrepreneur, executive and philanthropist. His charitable organization, SOS Marine Conservation Foundation co-founded Kuterra, the first land based closed containment atlantic salmon farm in North America.
Autumn Longley
Treasurer
Autumn Longley is a CPA, CA with over 20 years experience in the public and private sectors. Autumn was born in Washington State and has lived all over the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys hiking, singing and travelling.