About Us

History

Mike started Pearson Ecological in 2001 while a graduate student at UBC. We remain a small operation specializing in field based projects involving freshwater fish, species at risk and aquatic habitat restoration. We work primarily in the Fraser Valley and frequently collaborate with First Nations, academic researchers, and non-profit organizations.

Our Commitments

  • Only take on projects that contribute to stewardship or conservation in some way
  • Work collaboratively with  Indigenous communities and organizations
  • Develop and use minimally-invasive methods of monitoring populations and habitats
  • Provide public access to our data and reports whenever possible

Mike Pearson

Agassiz, BC

Mike Pearson

Mike is our senior biologist, primary photographer and principal. He is a Registered Professional Biologist with 30 years of field experience. He completed a PhD at UBC in 2004 on the ecology of two endangered fish; Nooksack dace and Salish sucker.  He continues to lead many research and recovery projects focused on these species. Mike also has extensive experience in the design, construction and monitoring of habitat restoration and enhancement projects and is known for creating diverse, naturalistic habitats that benefit multiple species. He lives on the Fraser River near Agassiz.

Arielle Koenig

Arielle Koenig

Arielle is our Junior Biologist. She holds a BSc in Conservation Biology from the University of British Columbia.

Sherry Miller

Sherry worked with us since 2021 as a field technician. She is a member of Katzie First Nation and has extensive knowledge of plant and animal species of the Fraser Valley.

Justin Munroe

Justin worked with us since April 2023 as a field technician. He is a member of Sq’ewqéyl First Natiion and has spent much of his life fishing and diving in local rivers, lakes and the ocean.

Fernando Lessa

at Chilliwack Lake

Fernando Lessa

Fernando is not technically part of Pearson Ecological, but he is a close collaborator and certainly a part of this website! Many of the most beautiful images here are his, some taken in the field  with us, and some from his other adventures as a professional photographer.  More stunning images can be found in his new book,  Urban Salmon and at Fernando Lessa Photography