Course:IGS585/OK2023WT2/NelsonJatel
Nelson Jatel
- For your reflection on another class member's reflection, start by typing your name and using the 'Sub-heading 1' style from the pulldown menu
Emma Carey
Nelson started his presentation with a very interesting statement, that Okanagan Lake 10,000 years ago was much larger than it is today and would have filled much of the valley bottom. I had heard this once before but hadn’t thought about it in awhile so it was a good reminder. In October, I walked through Woodhaven Regional Park in Mission (one of the parks that I’m conducting my thesis research in) with Nancy Holmes, a faculty member at UBCO and someone intimately familiar with Woodhaven. She pointed up at the ridge near the East end of the park and said that was once the bank of the lake when it was much larger 10,000 years ago. That was a large perspective shift for me, to imagine that when I was standing would have been underwater long ago. As humans with relatively short lifespans, it is hard to imagine that far back in time. But geological time does not work within human timescales, it is on a much larger scale. This is part of why it is so difficult for us to understand climate change, because its harder for us to understand something that we cannot see and it is only recently that we’re seeing and feeling the impacts of climate change.
Nelson also discussed the invasive aquatic species that are currently threatening Okanagan Lake and the Columbia watershed, such as zebra mussels, quagga mussels, and milfoil. When I tell people I’m working on invasive species for my thesis, they often ask if I’m studying milfoil. Aquatic species have such a different pathway than terrestrial species and there is quite a different relationship people have with them. It is harder to manage water species. Zebra mussels are such an interesting case as well because they dramatically change so much about an ecosystem in a short period of time. As I talked about in class, my grandparents have a cabin on a lake in Iowa (Clear Lake that had shockingly unclear water for its name). This is were the whole extended family used to gather once a year for 4th of July (Independence Day in the US which is a major holiday celebrated with fireworks and carnivals). When I was about 5 years old, zebra mussels were accidentally introduced to the lake and our lives changed quite a bit after that. We had to buy water shoes for the whole family, lest our feet be cut quite badly on the razor sharp mussels. My grandpa had to take his boat in for cleaning regularly because the mussles would clog the intake, and the swim ladder up to the dock had to be cleaned with greater frequency. That was just the changes that we saw as a family. I had not thought of the costs to the city in terms of their water intake and wastewater outtake pipes. Nelson also mentioned that if the mussels invade Okanagan Lake, there would be costly consequences for the bridge and its structural integrity. It’s important for me to remember the terrible impacts invasive species can have, alongside the horror of mass killing that we undertake in attempts to control them (like the story Nelson told of 80km of the Snake River being ‘nuked’ to prevent mussels invading).
JAJ: Our relationship with the natural world is complicated, as I guess any relationship is. What makes a species invasive? If a species is introduced to an area by a natural vector, such as in the plumage of a duck, is it also a problem? There is a value judgement, a judgement about what is important, and that is almost always with respect to human interests. Like the comment about where the lakeshore used to be, we get used to things being a certain way, and rapid changes are disturbing. I wonder how it was for the Indigenous peoples 10,000 years ago. There is some evidence that there was an outburst event, that Lake Penticton was held in place by an ice dam, which at some point ruptured and the lake drained quite rapidly. Humans had been in North America for some time, and may have been living in this area already.
Amir reflection
The point Emma raised about the cognitive scales of Geological time compared to human measurable time has always been my perpetual escape from personal sorrows and pains. By comparing the smallness of my own struggles with the vastness of the world, of which I am the tiniest member, I find solace within myself. This point also applies to time, which I sometimes forget, and reading Emma's text was a timely reminder of this constructive understanding. The memory Emma shared of their family's summer retreat added a significant point to Nelson's remarks, highlighting that while zebra mussels have their drawbacks and harms, they also contribute to water cleanliness and purification. This underscores the importance for an interdisciplinary researcher to assess all positive and negative aspects and not make stereotypical judgments about a subject. I'm usually interested in Emma's opinions and questions since she has an artistic viewpoint toward subjects which makes me feel that I am not alone between some master and PHD students of science.
Leandro Biondo
trends in water management
Dr Nelson Jatel Okanagan Basin Water Board - OBWB
Nelson spoke about the recent 2024 Environmental Flows conference. As a specialist in social network analytics, he showed the trend deck from the conference, a set of cards with themes, questions, and answers related to the presentations held during the event.
He commented on the geological history of Okanagan, the glacier that formed the whole valley from Duck Lakes to Osoyos, a great lake after an ice age. He pointed out the difference in the relationship with the water between settlers and First Nations. One considers water as a resource versus water as a relative, and that co-management is necessary and should take into account all knowledge. In policy enforcement, action expresses priority and needs clear communication; the current management needs to consider that in 2024, the province got snow to melt one month earlier than usual, pointing to a drier summer.
The environmental flow of water is determined for a particular species, but will it risk all the systems? Then, the water's critical flow points to its ability to function correctly. Nelson also commented on the zebra mussels' problems on Canadian lakes that have not yet arrived in the Okanagan but are a problem to keep out of here. This problem involves other discussions about individual rights and the possible ban of boats from other regions being used here. As private property, there is pressure for the owner to use them anywhere, but they are also the main vector to transport unwanted hazards from one lake to the other.
From the Trend Deck (picture on the side here if you are interested in reading them over), I relate to many of them, with these being the most important in my current research and activities:
Technical trend => Everything digital, particularly on digital maps that have a great potential to make information more accessible.
Environmental trend => Wild weather and End of Anthropocene, both are intrinsically related and I believe we are participating on the edge of transformations of a human era and climate age.
Political trend = > To ESG or Not To ESG? that seems to me much like a way to get away from acting directly with sustainable matters and making it someone else's problem. It has good ideas like green building also had before, but some skepticism may help it for good.
Values Trend => Water is life. Nothing to add, more people need to understand that.
JAJ: It would have been interesting to be present at the conference, and see how people respond to the trend deck. Environmental flows are an interesting issue. Natural variation in water flows can result in fish kills. Are environmental flows about the environment, or about managing the environment to maintain environmental services that humans like. The natural environment that we inhabit is not in some sort of unchanging equilibrium. It too is a dynamic, changing system. Are our conversations about sustainability about living with the environment, or making the environment something that isn't changing, for our convenience?
Yuxiang's reflection on Leo's reflection
I love leo's reflection on Dr. Nelson's insightful analysis of the evolving landscape of water management. It delved into the intricacies of water governance, shedding light on the intersection of environmental, technical, political, and societal trends shaping our approach to water resources.
I am also impressed by the threat of invasive species in water management. I have had a similar experience like the zebra mussels affecting water ecosystems at Okanagan Lake. My home's lake was clear and beautiful when I was young. However, the introduction of red swamp crawfish marked the beginning of a nightmare. The goldfish and turtles I raised in the lake quickly died, and the water also became foul-smelling and turbid. We spent a lot of time cleaning up them every year but to no avail. This serious regret constantly reminds me to be cautious about foreign species.
https://www.fishsource.org/fishery_page/3716
Cole Hooper
Nelson is a great speaker, and has such a diverse background of experience, his talk was very insightful and interesting. I have had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Jatel before, as the TA for his Water Management course, and his passion follows there as well. I would like to focus my reflection on two elements that were brought up during his talk, critical flows, and the governance power of the OBWB.
Critical flows are an interesting topic that I have not really known about prior to this conversation, as they mainly affect Fishery biologists, which is not something I have ever done. The crux of this issue that Nelson brought up was that by the time the critical flow level is reached, recognized, and acted upon, catastrophic damage may have already occurred in the system. I think this approach speaks to a greater issue that is present in many of our environmental protection systems. Instead of using a precautionary approach, and limiting water usage at an earlier stage, we wait until there is concrete and visible damage occurring to the system. The critical flow represents the minimum amount of water in that system before that occurs, why would we not set the alarm bells and limits to begin 15% above that flow instead? I think this is an important concept for all of us to takeaway, as we diverge into our respective fields. More focus should be placed on making sure that the critical flow level is not reached, instead of only reacting once it is already there. As all of our environmental systems become more stressed and subject to greater changes due to climate change, we will need to shift to a more precautionary approach to all elements of system management if we want those systems to survive and function properly.
The other topic that I found to be of great interest was the unique position of the Okanagan Basin Waters Board having its own power within its jurisdiction. They directly collect some % of tax from the constituents in their area, and this goes directly to funding the projects and management that those people need to properly manage their water sources. I think the ultimate result is that their tax dollars go further, and are more effective. It makes me wonder how this same principle or approach could be applied to other resources, and management systems such as wildlife, forests, or fisheries. While the OBWB is a microcosm example, I think it does serve as a unique example that there could be alternative approaches to resource management that are preferable to our current model where these responsibilities are often allocated to provincial or federal government.
JAJ: The OBWB is an interesting organization. It does have taxation power, although my understanding is that it doesn't have the same power to set the tax rate that a municipality does. It has no regulatory power. It can facilitate communication between the various groups that are connected to water issues in the valley, and it can distribute some funds to support projects. It has done a lot of good work in the Okanagan, by figuring out how to use influence. I sometimes wonder if the OBWB is doing the best it can within the very limited scope of what it can do, or if it is effective because it is not counting on regulatory powers. By emphasizing communication and collaboration, does it create a positive climate that bring about results which wouldn't be the case if a regulatory hammer was used, and resentment and resistance resulted.
Armita Reflection on Cole
Reading Cole’s view on a talk about water management really sparked some interesting thoughts, especially when diving into topics like critical flows and the unique way the Okanagan Basin Water Board handles its business. It's quite fascinating to see these environmental concepts and wonder about the universal lessons they offer.The bit about critical flows really made me think. It’s all about not waiting until the last minute to fix a problem but rather getting ahead of it. Imagine if we applied this proactive stance more broadly, beyond just environmental concerns. It’s a bit like seeing a storm cloud and deciding to bring an umbrella before leaving the house, rather than waiting to get soaked and then scrambling to find shelter.
And then there’s the governance model that’s so effective in focusing on the community's needs through direct involvement and funding. It’s a reminder that when efforts are directly connected to the people they’re meant to serve, the results can be much more impactful. It’s like choosing to support a local business where you know your contribution makes a real difference, versus a faceless corporation where your input gets lost in the shuffle.Reading these insights has been a real eye-opener, showing how being ahead of the game and focusing on community can offer better solutions. Whether it’s managing water or planning any kind of project, the idea of taking action early and making sure efforts are directly beneficial could really make a difference.
Armita Tehranchi
Nelson speech expertly bridges his extensive academic background in sociology and environmental studies with his practical experience in water board consultancy. This combination provides a unique lens through which he examines the pressing challenges in the realm of environmental flow management, highlighting the urgent need for innovative water management strategies in the face of climate change. I heard from my friends that last winter was so much colder in comparison with this year. Jatel's analysis also begins with a compelling discussion on how climate change has dramatically altered environmental flows, emphasizing the necessity for forward-thinking solutions that can accommodate these new realities. He points to the example of early snowmelt and its far-reaching implications for ecosystems and agricultural practices. This shift underlines the pressing need for strategies that are not only innovative but also adaptable to changing environmental conditions. The mention of a recent conference on environmental flows Jatel attended underscores the evolving discourse on sustainable practices and stresses the importance of incorporating a broad spectrum of perspectives in the conversation. At the heart of Jatel's lecture is the imperative for collaboration among diverse communities, particularly the integration of colonial and indigenous knowledge systems. This collaborative approach not only meets ethical standards but also enriches natural resource management with a holistic understanding. Jatel introduces social network analytics as an innovative tool to influence water management decisions, underscoring the potential of leveraging human relationships and communication for better environmental governance.
He articulates a clear call for adaptive management strategies to navigate these challenges. The lecture highlights the recent legislation that integrates environmental flows into water licensing, marking a significant step toward more responsible water use that considers both human and ecological needs. Furthermore, Jatel delves into the challenge posed by invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels. ("Jurassic Park" showcases the unpredictability and often uncontrollable nature of life forms when they are placed in new environments, paralleling the difficulties faced in water management due to invasive mussels. These creatures, much like the dinosaurs in the film, represent a human-induced anomaly within their new ecosystems, challenging existing biodiversity and requiring innovative management strategies to mitigate their impact. :D) The imperative for collaboration advocating for a convergence of knowledge systems and disciplines to foster a more comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship. The introduction of social network analytics emerges as a novel tool in this collaborative endeavor, offering a means to map out and leverage the relational dynamics within communities for enhanced environmental governance. As the lecture unfolds, Jatel navigates the implications of climate change on the region’s hydrology, drawing attention to the shifts in agricultural practices and the conservation of biodiversity. The legislative integration of environmental flows into water licensing emerges as a significant stride towards reconciling human demands with ecological imperatives. Furthermore, Jatel’s exploration of invasive species management underscores the broader challenges of safeguarding natural landscapes while sustaining economic activities. As we forge ahead, the insights shared by Jatel will undoubtedly serve as a cornerstone for future endeavors in sustainable environmental stewardship.
JAJ: The variability in temperatures and precipitation does seem to be increasing. The area burned by wildfires is record breaking. Two years in a row there have seen the sudden arrival of extreme cold weather that has severely impacted some horticulture crops in the Okanagan. There is well below normal snow for this time of year in the mountains. The shocks that we are experiencing seem to be happening more often. How do we be resilient in the face of these things? How much of this is normal? It is concerning.
Emma reflection on Armita
I quite liked Armita’s brief aside linking invasive species and Jurassic Park. It reminded me of a conversation I had in my directed reading group a few weeks ago about the projects that are currently being pursued by scientists to bring back wooly mammoths and passenger pigeons. It strikes me as odd that so much money is being spent on propagating wooly mammoths when the habitat they need to live is already gone. Polar bears are struggling to live in the north, there is no way wooly mammoths will be able to thrive in the current climate change affected north pole.
I also really liked Armita’s comment about Nelson emphasizing the integration of Syilx laws into settler governance in the Okanagan. From the ONA’s website: “We were placed in a sacred manner upon this earth and charged to care for and protect all of our relations within our homelands especially our most sacred relative, siwɬkʷ” (Okanagan Nation Alliance, 2014, para 2). This is the preface for the Syilx water declaration that sets out the relations in which people should live with water. It is quite interesting to read the declaration itself, Astrida started our first IGS 584 class by reading it aloud last term.
References
Okanagan Nation Alliance. (2014). siwɬkʷ Water Declaration. https://syilx.org/about-us/syilx-nation/water-declaration/
Amir Rahsaz
In my opinion, Nelson is a very powerful speaker who complements his speeches with reasoning, logic, and quotes from great figures.
He aptly finds suitable examples for any topic, and the first impression I got from him was his profound knowledge. Even when I mentioned I'm from Iran, he asked, "Where in Iran?" which shows his familiarity with Iran's geography.
His discussions about water resource management were very enlightening. In the summer when water becomes scarce, and fish need to continue their life cycle by flowing in rivers, farmers and gardeners also reach their peak water usage. This is where critical flow becomes important. Improper management of water resources, by allowing farmers to extract water until reaching a critical point and not allowing wildlife to receive their share, results in environmental damage.
This is just a small example of the consequences of global warming, where the growing season starts earlier and ends later, causing increased water demand for plants and crops when water is scarcer.
I admired Nelson's calmness while describing managerial disasters or hardships, like managing zebra mussels in lakes and water bodies, more than the figures and numbers. His understanding that humans themselves cause these events, and that these events can't be perceived as solely good or bad, was a takeaway I felt from his words. For example, while it's true that removing zebra mussels from a water system incurs immense costs, they also act as filters and purify water, but they significantly reduce tourism and water transportation opportunities.
The statistics he provided about cleaning 8 kilometers of riverbed from zebra mussels and the poison used to eradicate all organisms in that area was astonishing. Proper management can prevent the entry of these aquatic pests into an area, but it seems like management systems don't act until a crisis occurs, leading to enormous costs and numerous failures, as in the case of critical flow and fish migration.
Nelson's discussions about creating networks and delivering messages to the audience and making an impact were very important to me. That's why I asked him how to create constructive dialogue between two communities with different and sometimes conflicting goals. His answer was a valuable lesson; he said we must first become familiar with that community and see what avenues are available to gain this understanding. For example, for indigenous people, explaining their culture through books written about them and knowing their culture could be a suitable initial step.
JAJ: That we wait until a disaster before acting seems to be the way humans do things. Some of this is built into our legal system. In our Western Liberal societies, we are loath to impose limitations on what people are free to do unless it is obvious that those choices have unacceptable adverse effects on others. While we may ask people to make responsible choices for the environment, in what they say about others, etc., we do not use the heavy hand of regulations and sanctions until there is no other choice. Even then, it is often complicated and time consuming to get compliance. I organized a symposium a couple of years ago "A Wicked Problem: Individual Freedoms and Climate Change." (https://epp.ok.ubc.ca/about/roger-w-gale-symposium/about-roger-w-gale-symposium-freedomsandclimatechange/). What was highlighted to me by the presentations was that for some people, however we respond to the environmental challenges we face, it must happen through the deliberations in a 'free and democratic society.' Or, better to destroy much of the planet than to sacrifice the freedoms that are seen as defining our western societies.
Jared Brown - Reflection on Amir's Reflection
Amir’s reflection related to many of the concerns I share regarding water in the Okanagan, which made it quite enjoyable for me to read. He especially focuses on the need to implement proper management of water resources before disaster happens. His highlighting Nelson’s point of maintaining critical flow during periods of high-water stress is a good example of this. Like Amir pointed out, maintaining critical flow will become more difficult due to climate change expanding the growing season and increasing water scarcity. It will also become more difficult due to the rapid population growth the Okanagan is set to have going forward, which will put additional demand and stress on local water resources. Maintaining water resources is critical for the sustainability and resilience of the Okanagan, and it must be addressed. I recently read a study that used hydrologic modelling to evaluate future supply and demand in the Okanagan, which found that surface water reservoirs would not be able to meet municipal and in-stream flow demands by 2050, even during normal years of precipitation (Harma et al., 2012).
Amir’s point of having proper management of zebra and quagga mussels is another example of the need for proper management before disaster. We are very lucky to not have them in our waters, and the provincial program for inspecting boats coming from out of province is to thank for that. The federal government’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans, BC Hydro, and Fortis BC have helped provide funding for this program, but all have reduced it dramatically, with the federal government and Fortis BC not providing any funding in 2023 (Dacre, 2024). It is disappointing that these groups are not listening to the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB), the BC Wildlife Federation, and other associations regarding the need for more funding to effectively inspect boats and prevent the mussels from entering BC (Dacre, 2024), especially given the environmental, social, and economic consequences they would have. Unfortunately, it seems that we are heading in the wrong direction from the type of management that Amir pointed out is needed to prevent such a crisis.
References:
Dacre, C. (2024). BC Wildlife Federation sounds alarm as invasive mussel prevention funding vanishes—BC News. Castanet News. https://www.castanet.net/news/BC/466113/BC-Wildlife-Federation-sounds-alarm-as-invasive-mussel-prevention-funding-vanishes
Harma, K. J., Johnson, M. S., & Cohen, S. J. (2012). Future Water Supply and Demand in the Okanagan Basin, British Columbia: A Scenario-Based Analysis of Multiple, Interacting Stressors. Water Resources Management, 26(3), 667–689. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-011-9938-3
Jared Brown
I really enjoyed Nelson’s presentation on the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) and water management in the Okanagan. Seeing that water resources in the valley will increasingly become under more pressure due to climate change, expanding agriculture, and rapid population growth, it was nice that Nelson discussed the trends that he and the OBWB have noticed regarding water management, along with how it needs to be addressed going forward. I was not surprised that eutrophication was one of the main factors for why the OBWB was established. Even now, the risk of surface water contamination by nitrogen, one of the main contributing nutrients to eutrophication alongside phosphorous, ranges from high to very high across the majority of the Okanagan valley (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2022), so it is nice to see that it is a primary issue for the OBWB.
Nelson highlighting the necessity of different disciplines collaborating with each other regarding water use and management really struck well with me. Water is so important for several environmental, social, and economic values in the Okanagan and beyond, making it a keystone resource for sustainability and resilience in our communities. It makes sense that as we manage our water supplies going forward, an interdisciplinary approach is needed for that management to be effective. But at the same time, it is also important that we implement effective management that accurately reflects the value of water before it becomes more challenging and dire to do so. As pointed out by a Vox documentary on water scarcity (Vox, Netflix, 2020), the global economy does not reflect the true value of water because it is often treated and priced as if there will always be enough of it (Vox, Netflix, 2020). Consequently, this has made us more wasteful around water use, such as by growing water-intensive crops in dry regions, over-irrigating, and ignoring leakages in water infrastructure (Vox, Netflix, 2020).
In relation to that point, Nelson also asked us to think about how seeing water as a commodity would play out in the future, as putting a higher price on water has been proposed as a solution to help reflect the true value of water (Vox, Netflix, 2020). Although this is less relative to us in the Okanagan, given that water resources are allocated here, it is still important to consider as it may become a mainstream practice for water management across the globe. I find myself having mixed feelings around whether putting a higher price on water would be an entirely good idea. On one hand, it could have significant benefits by promoting people to be more efficient around their water use and by promoting governments to improve and repair existing water infrastructure (Vox, Netflix, 2020). On the other, however, putting a higher price on water would disproportionally impact lower-income individuals and populations that also need water for their survival and livelihoods. It may also lead to more water-related conflicts and violence, which have been increasing over time and will likely continue to increase as the effects of climate change and growing global population decrease water availability (James, 2023). As a result of these negative effects, putting a higher price on water may pose a significant challenge to the social sustainability and resilience of communities, and may also pose challenges to climate justice goals. Whatever approach is taken to help reduce water use going forward, we must make sure that the importance of this resource is properly reflected in our societies and economies, while also making sure that everyone has adequate access to it in order to meet their basic needs. The challenge of simultaneously meeting these goals also highlights why an interdisciplinary approach is needed for water management to be effective.
References:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. (2022, March 2). Risk of contamination of surface water by nitrogen in Canada in 2016—Final [Search interface]. https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/agricultural-production/water/nitrogen-indicator
James, I. (2023, December 28). Water increasingly at the center of conflicts from Ukraine to the Middle East. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2023-12-28/water-related-conflicts-on-the-rise-worldwide
Vox, Netflix (Director). (2020, April 17). Explained | World’s Water Crisis | FULL EPISODE | Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C65iqOSCZOY
JAJ: The diamond water paradox is used as an example of the relationship between prices and scarcity, and value in use relative to value in exchange. We need water to survive. We don't need diamonds to survive. Diamonds are far more expensive than water in almost all situations. So, prices do not reflect the value in use. They reflect the value in exchange, which reflects scarcity. When water is scarce, its price does go up a lot. Using prices and allowing water to be traded is something that scares people, with the concern about it being unavailable to the poor. We need some way to ration scarce water, and we need some way to encourage people to conserve it. Can we expect people to agree to a water ethic, or do we need regulations and/or prices to encourage a fair sharing of a scarce and precious resource?
Leandro reflection on Jared
Jared's reflection on Nelson's presentation about the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) and water management is comprehensive. He acknowledges the increasing pressure on water resources due to climate change, agriculture, and population growth. Jared understands eutrophication and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in water management. He highlights the failure of the global economy to reflect water's actual value, leading to wasteful practices. Jared's mixed feelings about commodifying water demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the issue. He emphasizes the need for adequate access to water for everyone, highlighting the delicate balance required in effective water management.
Yuxiang Wang
I really appriciate Dr. Nelson Jatel's presentation on the intricate relationship between water management, environmental stewardship, and societal perspectives, particularly in the Okanagan Area. Drawing on his expertise in social network analytics, Dr. Jatel provided attendees with a glimpse into the conference's discussions through the innovative trend deck. This interactive approach not only engaged the audience but also facilitated a deeper understanding of the multifaceted challenges facing water management in the region.
What Dr. Jatel's presentation impressed me most is the damage of invasive species, such as zebra mussels. He highlighted the interaction of individual rights and environmental protection, particularly concerning the regulation of boat transportation between lakes. This careful discussion underscored the importance of balancing private property rights with collective environmental responsibility. I have had a similar experience like the zebra mussels affecting water ecosystems at Okanagan Lake. My home's lake was clear and beautiful when I was young. However, the introduction of red swamp crawfish marked the beginning of a nightmare. The goldfish and turtles I raised in the lake quickly died, and the water also became foul-smelling and turbid. We spent a lot of time cleaning up them every year but to no avail. This serious regret constantly reminds me to be cautious about foreign species.(https://www.fishsource.org/fishery_page/3716)
Moreover, his insights into water resource management were truly illuminating. This emphasizes the significance of critical flow. Mismanagement of water resources, such as extracting water until reaching a critical threshold while neglecting the needs of wildlife, leads to environmental harm. There is a very famous proverb in Chinese "kill the goose that lays the golden eggs", which tells us not to self-immolation. This situation illustrates just a fraction of the repercussions of global warming. With the growing season starting earlier and ending later, there's heightened demand for water by plants and crops precisely when water is in short supply.
Overall, Dr. Nelson Jatel's presentation offered a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges and opportunities facing water management in the Okanagan Basin. His expertise and valuable insights that will undoubtedly inform future discussions and policy-making processes in the realm of water management.
JAJ: It is interesting that there is a famous Chinese proverb about killing the goose that laid the golden egg, and also one in English folklore that is almost identical. I wonder if these are two different stories, or if one story was the inspiration for the other, through contact between Chinese and Europeans hundreds of years ago. Regardless of the origin, clearly all of our societies seem to have recognized that we sometimes are too short sighted to see the harm that we are doing to ourselves. A seeming sad reality of our human condition.
That everywhere in the world seems to be dealing with rapid ecological change brought on by species introduction is something to keep in mind. Maybe we need to keep in mind that humans are the vector that is enabling these invasions to take place. Are humans the most destructive invasive species?
Cole Hooper reflecting on Yuxiang
I am particularly impacted by Yuxiang's own firsthand experience with invasive species in his hometown lake. A reminder that Invasive species are a global problem, and one where management post-introduction can often be impossible. After his anecdote, I shudder to think at the different ecological consequences that might occur if Zebra mussels are able to reach the Okanagan. Once concern that comes to mind, is that funding for conservation efforts will be re-directed to tackle the massive economic cost of a Zebra mussel infestation. This will be money that was already spread thin, tackling other conservation issues in the Okanagan, further exacerbating the already dire situation here in one of Canada's most threatened ecosystems.
Yuxiang goes even further to relate to an anecdote regarding self-immolation. Despite this wisdom being so old, we never seem to learn our lesson. Every culture across the globe is dealing with it's own environmental issues, and it seems that no one has taken the cautionary approach that was so desperately needed. No we are all in the same boat, faced with a multitude of issues, and lacking the resources or recourse to properly fix them. It certainly does paint a dire picture for the future of our world.
Hopefully, insight from those of us in the class, and the speakers that we are learning from will help inspire and educate us to tackle these issues, and work towards a more sustainable future for everyone.