of Victoria
On leave
PhD (Victoria)
Conservation science; resource management; wildlife; marine-terrestrial interactions
Chris Darimont is an interdisciplinary conservation scientist who applies natural and social science tools to confront conservation problems that are both conceptually interesting and acutely applied.
Work conducted by Dr. Darimont and his students is made possible by the foresight and generosity of the Hakai Institute (Tula Foundation) and the Raincoast Conservation Foundation.
Although my fledgling lab group and I have broad scholarly interests, we maintain three primary research domains: i) landscape ecology at the marine-terrestrial interface, ii) conservation biology of harvest management, and iii) conservation ethics. The wildlife and people of the central coast of British Columbia – an area popularly known as the Great Bear Rainforest – comprise a study system of particular interest. While this geographic focus invokes a strong sense of place, the research is designed to have a global reach.
My interdisciplinary roots can be traced to broad training and a wide network of collaborators. After earning a PhD in Evolution and Ecology from the University of Victoria, my postdoctoral work took me to the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a large group of research partners. Throughout this scholarly preparation, I also worked closely with conservation leaders from First Nations communities of coastal British Columbia.
I maintain these important relationships, which guide my research interests. Although many conceive these collaborations as opportunities to develop the capacity of First Nations, I view them as prospects to develop my own capacity as an applied scholar. Finally, much of my development can be traced to my long-term affiliation with the science-based eNGO Raincoast Conservation Foundation, having served as its Director of Science.
This background has cultivated in me a sense of responsibility to engage in outreach. Trained in science communication, I serve frequently as an ambassador for universities. My work is commonly featured in high-profile media (e.g., National Geographic television, New York Times).
In this video, Dr. Darimont talks about his research in the Great Bear Rainforest, looking at the relationship between bears, salmon and humans.