Image: Supplied by Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. / Agassiz native and UFV undergrad student Megan Vander Wyk has received an exemplary scholarship from the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Fisheries scholarship

Agassiz native, UFV student Megan Vander Wyk receives exemplary scholarship from Freshwater Fisheries Society

Sep 14, 2022 | 2:47 PM

CHILLIWACK — An Agassiz native who is finishing up her senior year at the University of the Fraser Valley has parlayed an interest in the outdoors and the environment into an exemplary bursary from the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C.

According to a news release from the fisheries society, an interest in wildlife sparked by spending time outdoors became a career passion for Megan Vander Wyk. Growing up in Agassiz, Vander Wyk developed an interest in freshwater fishing through exploration of the outdoors around the Fraser River. An undergraduate of the University of the Fraser Valley, she is completing her Bachelor of Science with a major in Ecology and Biology of Organisms this year.

UFV says as environmental priorities increase and demographic trends have created more job openings, there is increasing demand for students from natural resource and aquaculture programs. To facilitate the development of those skills, the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. has awarded scholarships to five students in 2022. Each will receive a $1,500 scholarship to support their studies and passionate pursuit of knowledge. Scholarship applications were received from students throughout British Columbia enrolled in recreational fisheries management, fisheries enhancement, conservation and/or research programs.

“My passion for protecting wildlife and interests in recreational angling drove me to pursue a career in ecology and conservation. In fact, I chose this career path the moment I had my first experience with a white sturgeon on the Fraser River,” said Vander Wyk. “The species’ prehistoric morphology, history, and conservation concern is intriguing and has caused me to think more critically about our impacts on aquatic ecosystems and species. This scholarship will support my continued studies and my goal to work in fisheries management and conservation.”

Vander Wyk spent the summer working as a junior fish culture technician with Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C., expanding on her fish culture studies and adding to her knowledge.

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Scholarship applications were received from throughout B.C. from students committed to the study of freshwater conservation. Since 2008 the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC has awarded $79,500 in scholarships to 48 students at various levels of study. In 2022 5 students were awarded scholarships of $1,500 each. The scholarships recognize outstanding commitment to academic pursuits in the field of freshwater fisheries.

Other students selected for a scholarship were Yvonne Gregory, Selkirk College; Jordan Hendriks, Vancouver Island University; Jenna Neilson, Vancouver Island University and Alexis Seely, University of Northern British Columbia.

“Spending time in these amazing ecosystems provides a great incentive for people to pursue studies in freshwater fisheries management, research and conservation. These students are passionate about their studies in part because they have firsthand experience regarding the importance of protecting these spaces,” says Tammy Longbottom, Director of Human Resources, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. “We are pleased to support them in the pursuit of their educational goals and look forward to the positive impact their contributions will have.”

Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC scholarships are available to students enrolled in fish culture or natural resource management programs within a recognized post-secondary education institution in British Columbia. Applicants must have completed at least their first year of post-secondary studies and plan to continue as a student, with the intent of establishing a career in B.C.. Students at all levels of post-secondary study were eligible.

Scholarship applicants submitted a written or video essay outlining their experience, interests and chosen educational program, and explained how their interests and chosen studies will support key goals of BC’s freshwater fisheries industry such as research and habitat conservation. In addition, a transcript and resumé were provided.

The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC was created in 2003 as a private, not-for-profit organization, funded mainly through freshwater fishing licence revenues. In partnership with the B.C. government, the Society annually stocks six million trout, char and kokanee in 800 B.C. lakes. It also manages special hatchery programs for endangered species including white sturgeon, conducts fisheries research, education and conservation programs, and works to make angling more accessible for all. To find out more, visit gofishbc.com.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

Agassiz native, UFV student Megan Vander Wyk receives exemplary scholarship from Freshwater Fisheries Society

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