Community Bursary Spotlight: Justin Wild
The Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) is accepting Stewardship Community Bursary applications until Oct. 30, 2023.
PSF’s Stewardship Community Bursaries are awarded to students in B.C. and the Yukon dedicated to the conservation and restoration of Pacific salmon.
Post-secondary students enrolled in at least their second year of a program that leads to a career related to salmon conservation are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to applicants with volunteer experience in stewardship, conservation, or a related field.
Justin Wild, a marine biology student at the University of Victoria, is a 2022-2023 Stewardship Community Bursary recipient. Read Justin’s Q&A below.
What inspired you to study marine biology?
Growing up backpacking and fishing all over Vancouver Island, I had many opportunities to observe so many different habitats, fish, tide pools, and invertebrates. I grew up fishing for salmon all over the Island from fly fishing the rivers and beaches, to trolling in my family’s boat. This, as well as my grandpa’s passion as a marine biologist, really pushed me to pursue this field of study.
Salmon mean so much to me as they allow me to connect with nature and truly appreciate the complexity of our biological community on the west coast.
What are your career goals?
I would love to work as a marine biologist to conserve fish and fish habitats for future generations on Vancouver Island.
How has the PSF bursary supported you?
The PSF bursary has allowed me to focus on things that I am passionate about, namely marine biology, by providing me with the funding to finish my undergraduate degree, as well as motivating me to continue to volunteer with conservation efforts.
