Our Staff
Aggie Cangardel. Executive Director
Aggie hails from the UK where she completed a BSc in Marine Biology and Oceanography, and an MPhil in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at Newcastle University. She ended up in Haida Gwaii as the program biologist and SCUBA lead with Haida Fisheries, monitoring abalone and other shellfish populations around the island. After working remotely for a start-up in California as a project manager, admin and office manager, she has now joined Laskeek Bay as the Executive Director.
Sonja Panozzo. Assistant Biologist
After completing my BSc in Geography and Biology at UVic, I have worked at the Teslin Lake Bird Observatory in the southern Yukon, and on a waterfowl monitoring project in coastal Alaska. I feel so lucky to be back working in BC, especially in a place as special as Haida Gwaii. I grew up exploring the south coast on foot and by kayak, which fostered my passion for conservation and ecology on the West Coast. I am happiest when working and learning in the outdoors, and am excited to help spread my love of birds and marine mammals, while learning about the ecosystem on and around East Limestone Island.
Neil Pilgrim. Lead Biologist
Neil grew up on the northern coast of Newfoundland, spending his youth boating
and exploring its rugged coast. His experience is diverse and includes working with
vascular plants, lichens, bryophytes, birds, fish and wildlife. He has worked in
remote locations all over the world and is always looking for another adventure.
Neil has the enthusiasm and ability to transform an average walk in the outdoors to
a memorable and meaningful experience for visitors and volunteers.
Our Board of Directors
Michael K. Moore. Forestry Consultant
Keith has been a resident of Haida Gwaii for more than 30 years. He is a Registered Professional Forester and has an MA in Geography. Since 2000, Keith has run a consulting business based in Queen Charlotte that takes him across Canada and the world to work on forest certification with the Forest Stewardship Council. To date, Keith has been involved in over 50 certification projects in five Canadian provinces and several other countries. Keith is also involved in forestry and environmental issues in BC. On Haida Gwaii, these include the campaign to protect the southern part of the islands, the Fish Forestry Interaction Program and the Strategic Land Use Plan. Keith lives with his wife, Helen, and sons Peter and Alan in Queen Charlotte.
Erin Harris.
Since her arrival on Haida Gwaii in 2006, Erin's strong interest in conservation has been reinforced by many formative experiences in work and personal adventures. She became a director in 2012 after working in Laskeek Bay for partner organization, the Research Group on Introduced Species. While assisting with field research, operating the field camp on Reef Island, and driving the boat in many different types of weather, Erin formed a strong connection with Laskeek Bay and the surrounding areas. In addition, other work experiences with The Moresby Explorers, Anvil Cove Charters, and Elemental Visions have provided many opportunities to learn about boating, weather conditions, local geography and wildlife. In her personal time, Erin enjoys many hiking and boating adventures as well as spending time at home with partner Jake (biologist with LBCS for 10 years) and their baby Nora.
Brad Yonkman. Fisheries Technician at Hecate Straight Stream Keepers.
Brad and his wife Aline moved to Haida Gwaii in 2013 looking for a lifestyle change. Prior to the move Brad had worked 25 years in various sawmill management positions. He has a love for the outdoors and spends his spare time hiking, hunting, fishing, and taking pictures. He was first introduced to the Laskeek Bay group, and the work they do, in 2014. That summer he spent a week on East Limestone Island as a volunteer. He greatly enjoyed this experience and was impressed with both the work being done and by the dedication displayed by all the team members. He became a member of the board in 2015 and is excited to have the chance to contribute to the group.
Ainsley Brown. Biologist, Teacher, Former Executive Director LBCS, Researcher
Jacques Morin.
James Chemko
Elizabeth Cardell. Retired Visual Artist
Margaret Stronge. Heritage Presentation Specialist, Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve & Haida Heritage Site
Scientific Advisory Committee
Tony Gaston (Chair). Canadian Wildlife Service, National Wildlife Research Center
Jean-Louis Martin. Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CEFE-CNRS)
Kathy Heise. University of British Columbia, Department of Zoology
Dr. Joanna L. Smith. TNC Canada, Global Oceans Program and Simon Fraser University, Adjunct Professor
Dr. Mark Hipfner. Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada
“Supporting research and conservation as well as promoting learning and knowledge sharing is very rewarding. Our directors are passionate about the marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Haida Gwaii!
As a director with LBCS there is a great opportunity to reach out and connect with other people, in schools teaching children about the complex ecosystems of Laskeek Bay, in conversations at merchandise booths at on island events, or in presentations at international seabird conferences. Many of our directors connect with volunteers, interns and research staff while visiting East Limestone Island (ELI) or while helping out with logistics back in Queen Charlotte City.
There is a great spirit of cooperation and everyone pitches in to help out where and when they are able. Every Director’s skills are varied and valuable. A director may volunteer by: helping with yearly maintenance to trails and field camp on ELI, hiring staff, loading the transport boat at the dock, billeting interns, donating goods for sale, participating with field research…the options are plentiful!
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