Coastal Ecology and Human Connections
Hello! I am Brian. I study coastal ecosystems and how they are being impacted by climate change, as well as how we as humans can better monitor and mitigate these impacts.
Scroll down to see my most recent news, or click the tabs above to dive into the work I do.
Recent Highlights
July 2026
Our recent publication on historical kelp losses in the Salish Sea has been gaining traction in the media, with 18 different media outlets running stories about our research so far.
Click on the images to the right to read some of the stories.
April 2026
My latest first author publication is out, open access, in Ecological Applications!
Read all about how uncovered a half-century of climate change impacts on bull kelp forests and their associated understory seaweed communities in the northern Salish Sea.
March 2026
It is a huge honour to be part of the 2026 cohort of Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions’ Uplifting Reciprocal Research Scholars, and to speak at this years BC First Nations Climate Gathering on behalf of PICS URRS cohort.
As part of the program, all scholars produced ‘Knowledge Highlights’ featuring lessons learned and recommendations for working in reciprocity with First Nations communities.
My Research:
Brian collecting 360 video footage in one of the few remnant bull kelp forests in the northern Salish Sea as part of the National Geographic Immersive Experiences program
Kelp forests are the foundation of coastal ecosystems in British Columbia. Yet centuries of marine exploitation by humans and more recently, climate change, have thrown these ecosystems out of balance.
My research brings together historical data and modern technology to better understand how kelp forest ecosystems are changing, and what we can do about it to support the people who rely on kelp forests.