Gord Snell
President and CEO
President and CEO
CFO
Vice President, Operations
Director, People Operations
Director, Information Technology
Manager, Fisheries Programs
Operations Manager, Monitoring Technologies
Supervisor, Electronic Monitoring Data
Manager, Fisheries Programs
Supervisor, Fisheries Programs, Port Hardy
Marine Biologist
Senior Biologist, Operations Manager
Biologist and Dive Safety Officer
Biologist
Junior Biologist
Junior Biologist
Manager, Electronic Monitoring Programs
Senior Project Manager
Project Manager
Manager, Fisheries Data
Project Manager, EM Programs
Junior Biologist/Equipment Coordinator
Supervisor, Electronic Monitoring Programs, US
Program Coordinator, Alaska
General Manager, Archipelago Asia-Pacific
Manager, Field Services
Manager, Development Team
Product Manager
Senior Software Developer
Senior Software Engineer
Senior Software Developer
Junior Software Developer
Junior Developer
Co-op Junior Developer
Co-op Junior Software Developer
Gord joined the Archipelago team in 2014 and oversees all aspects of Archipelago’s domestic and international operations. He also leads the Monitoring Technologies division. He works closely with NGO’s, industry and Archipelago’s partners on all aspects of the business with the focus to deliver sustainable solutions within all our project work. Prior to joining Archipelago, Gord spent nearly 20 years on the product, operations and sales side of the telecom industry here in Canada. He has self-proclaimed addictions to online shopping, McFlurries, most fast food, TV shows about Gold Mining and he has seen every episode of Seinfeld at least once.
Wes joined Archipelago in the fall of 2014 and oversees Finance and Administration. He is a CPA, CA and prior to Archipelago, Wes worked at the accounting firm Grant Thornton in their assurance department. He was born and raised in Victoria and is married with two kids. In his spare time, Wes enjoys hiking with his family and playing tennis. Fun fact: prior to becoming an accountant, Wes spent 16 years in the hotel industry.
Scott received an honours B.Sc. in marine biology from the University of British Columbia in 1995 and has been with Archipelago since 1996. Scott has worked in fisheries monitoring programs and marine environmental services during his career with Archipelago. He is experienced in the design, implementation and management of large fishery monitoring and research survey programs. Scott’s in-depth knowledge of BC’s fisheries, fish and invertebrate zoology and ecology make him an important senior advisor to the Archipelago team. During his time at Archipelago he has built strong working relationships with environmental professionals, members of industry and government employees involved in BC’s fisheries as well as individuals in international fisheries management and the fisheries monitoring community.
Scott is a dedicated family man and proud father of two children. He devotes his time away from work volunteering as an ice hockey and ball hockey coach throughout most of the year. He enjoys camping trips with family and friends and keeping busy with DIY projects around the house.
I am excited to be part of the Archipelago team and combine my passion for Human Resources with my passion for the ocean, with a likeminded team that creates solutions for marine resource sustainability. I have many years’ experience in the hospitality industry including resort and community development, building great teams and cultures to drive both employee and customer satisfaction. I have had the unique experience of living in the US, Europe and Scandinavia and I am excited at the international scope of Archipelagos’ work. I am looking forward to sharing my experience with the team at Archipelago. When I am not admiring the ocean I enjoy any kind of outdoor activity, especially biking and hiking and spending time with my family.
Michael Gjernes (B.Sc.) started working for Archipelago in 1991 as a certified At-Sea Fisheries Observer for a summer job, eventually accruing nearly 250 days at sea. He actually submitted his 2nd year registration to the University of British Columbia from sea via radio telephone! He started working for Archipelago full-time after completing his Bachelor of Science at UBC. He continued working in the At-Sea Observer Program as a data technician, observer, fish sampler, trainer, database/application developer and manager before he shifted full-time to Information Technology in 2001. He has been managing Archipelago’s IT team since 2014. Born and raised in British Columbia’s south coast, Michael enjoys fishing, hiking, target shooting, cooking and reading (multiple genres).
Katie’s background was in the tourism industry before she joined Archipelago in 2014 as an At-Sea Fisheries Observer. Her passion for communication, teamwork, and service has shaped her career here ever since. Born and raised in Campbell River, Vancouver Island, Katie came to Victoria to complete a bachelor of science in biology and environmental studies and has since settled in Saanich with her husband and their puppy. In Katie’s spare time she can be found exploring the outdoors, gardening, surfing, and teaching her puppy new tricks.
From his background education in Marine and Freshwater Biology, Ian joined Archipelago in 2011 and spent his first two years at sea as a fisheries observer. He transitioned into the office in 2013 and has since expanded his role into the management of Archipelago’s domestic At-Sea Fisheries Monitoring Programs. On his spare time he is an avid cyclist, backcountry camper and ultimate frisbee player.
Michelle first arrived on Vancouver Island when she completed her BSc with a concentration in marine biology and a minor in environmental studies at UVIC. She joined Archipelago in 2018 and spent her first year at sea as a fisheries observer. She then moved to Port Hardy to work as a dockside observer and finally made the easy decision to move back to Victoria and join the local office as a data technician in 2020. Since then she has grown into her supervisory role in the fisheries electronic monitoring sector. On her days off you can find her snorkeling, snowboarding, hiking or camping in the backcountry.
Gord Perkins (BSc in Microbiology) began working for Archipelago in 1990 as an At-Sea Fisheries Observer on Foreign and Domestic fishing vessels. In 1995 he came into the office from at sea and started training At-Sea Observers for the start of the 100% Observer coverage requirement for the groundfish trawl fleet. By 2006, Gord became the Regional Coordinator for Archipelago’s Fisheries Monitoring Programs working in the field with the At-Sea, Dockside and Electronic Monitoring Programs. Gord continues in this role supervising, mentoring and working with Archipelago’s staff in all the major ports. When not in the field, Gord can usually be found camping with his children and their families including 3 grandsons.
Alan joined Archipelago in 2008 as an Electronic Monitoring technician in Port Hardy, BC, and within a few months had already Cross-trained in DMP. Alan worked as a deployment coordinator and then moved up to the role of Assistant Port Supervisor. Alan travels periodically to both Prince Rupert and Ucluelet to assist both ports. He is currently the Port Supervisor in Port Hardy.
David is a registered professional biologist with over 8 years of experience in biological research and consulting. He joined the Archipelago team in 2018 and has become a key member of the Marine Environmental Services division working with government, industry, and NGO’s. Driven by his love of nature and sustainable solutions, he takes pride in providing the best advice possible. Prior to joining Archipelago, David worked across western Canada including time in all provinces and territories west of Ontario.
Andrew started at Archipelago in November of 2022, he brought with him 15 years of experience in environmental consulting most recently as a Marine Biologist with WSP Golder in their Victoria office. Andrew has a BSc. from the University of Victoria and is a Registered Professional Biologist with the College of Applied Biology of British Columbia.
Jeff joined Archipelago as a Biologist in early 2021 after contracting on several of Archipelago’s marine monitoring projects. With a background in environmental technology, Jeff has been working as a commercial diver and environmental field technician in conservation and natural areas restoration since 2014. He has worked on environmental projects across the West Coast including wetland restoration, fisheries surveys, underwater debris cleanups, and eelgrass transplants. In his spare time, Jeff enjoys kayaking, hiking, underwater and aerial photography, and spending time in the garden.
Thomas is an early-career marine biologist with 2 years of experience in ecological research. He joined the Archipelago team in 2022 as the newest member of the Marine Environmental Services division. Prior to joining Archipelago, Thomas worked at the University of Victoria, where he completed his Master of Science degree, studying the deep-sea hydrothermal vents in the West Pacific. In his spare time, Thomas enjoys playing guitar, exploring local habitats and socializing with friends and family.
Brenna joined Archipelago in 2022 on a term contract, and during her time working she did EM data review of the US Whiting fishery for PSMFC and review of the BC recreational salmon fishing for the SFI project.
Shelby grew up in Victoria and brings a BSc. from UVic majoring in Marine Biology. She also worked in the Biology department as a teaching assistant for labs. She is registered as a Biologist in Training with the College of Applied Biology in BC and has been involved with various field research experiences including sockeye salmon stock assessments for DFO (by white water raft!) on the Stellako River, researching marine biodiversity off the coast of Baffin Island, and working as a risk-assessment forecaster for the oyster aquaculture industry
Mike came onboard with Archipelago in 1998 when he was hired as a trawl fishery observer with Archipelago’s at-sea observer program. He spent several years working both as an observer, and as the Operational Manager with Archipelago’s at-sea observer program. In 2012, Mike brought his expertise in operational logistics and training to the Monitoring Technologies division. His current roles include overseeing the implementation of Electronic Monitoring field programs around the globe, and he works closely with Archipelago’s development team to design innovative hardware and software solutions built to meet the planet’s future fisheries monitoring needs. Outside of work, Mike enjoys backpacking the planet and spending time at home pulling weeds and planting seeds in his garden.
Jason has been with Archipelago for over 10 years as a Project Manager. Before that he completed an university degree in Natural Resource Management and a MSc in fisheries Biology which was nominated for a Governor General’s Award in science. He has 25 years of fisheries experience, mostly in research and monitoring and has a commercial fishing licence in Norway. For the past 6 years he has lived there and operates our European office, serving customers internationally. The son of a fisherman, his greatest joy is assisting the future of fishing, for everyone’s benefit. In his spare time Jason enjoys a cold mojito at his mountain cabin and swims in the coldest water he can find available.
Stef joined the Archipelago team as a project manager for the Monitoring Technologies Division after moving home to Canada in summer 2021. Prior to joining Archipelago, she spent most of her career in fisheries management working for state agencies and NOAA in the Northeastern US and Pacific Islands. During her almost 12 years with NOAA the projects she led involved modernizing data collection programs and electronic technologies. When she isn’t working, she loves cooking and getting creative in the kitchen with local, seasonal ingredients, as well as spending time by the ocean with her family.
Chantal leads Archipelago’s Electronic Monitoring (EM) Data Services for the Monitoring Technologies Team. As an expert in using and developing Archipelago’s EM Interpret data review software Chantal provides data support, analyses, and software training services to clients throughout the United States, Europe, and New Zealand. Chantal earned a BSc in biology from the University of Victoria in 2008 and joined Archipelago in 2011 working in fisheries data services including observer, dockside, and EM data. When Chantal is not reviewing data, you can find her at the beach with her family.
Maria Jose (M.J.) has 15 years working at Archipelago on EM. She specializes in requirements gathering and implementation of monitoring programs. Maria Jose has been involved in the operationalization of the hook and line integrated monitoring program in British Columbia as well as in Electronic Monitoring programs in the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. When not at work you can probably find her at the soccer field or at any of the beautiful hiking trails around Victoria.
Matt joined Archipelago in 2013 originally as an At-Sea Fisheries Observer directly after graduating from the university of Victoria with a Bachelor of Science. After spending a year on the high seas he transitioned into the world of remote monitoring and marine technologies. His current roles include managing the hardware of all past, current and future fisheries monitoring and environmental monitoring programs. Outside of work he is often found having adventures on sailboats big and small.
Andrew was born and raised in the great state of Minnesota. He remembers fondly the time he spent growing up at his parents’ lake cabin and working the summers as a local youth camp counselor and lifeguard. Andrew attended college at St Johns University in Collegeville, MN where he received a degree in Biology. From there he ventured to the Pacific Northwest to become a fisheries observer in Newport, OR which would lead him to his current role with Archipelago. Even though Andrew now lives on the Pacific Ocean he still considers himself a Minnesota Laker at heart.
Jarrod grew up in central Wyoming where he gained an appreciation for the outdoors and wildlife. He attended the University of Wyoming where he received his Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management and Fisheries Biology. He spent the next four years working in and around hatcheries in Southeast Alaska and soaking up as much knowledge of the fishing industry as possible. Eager to learn more about the role that EM plays in fishing, he jumped at the chance to join the Archipelago Team and has been with them for three years now. He spends his free time hunting and fishing the terrain around his home in Sitka, Alaska.
Andrew has over 20 years of experience in commercial fisheries monitoring and analysis including at sea, dockside, and electronic monitoring programs. He has played a key role in the development of programs and data systems in support of monitoring programs such as those currently in use by DFO in Canada and AFMA in Australia. Andrew is currently the General Manager of AAP and is responsible for the Australian operations.
Bryan Bates has been working with Archipelago since 2015. His background includes a B.Sc. in Marine Science and Management and a M.Sc. in Living Marine Resources. Bryan has experience in research and development of fish tagging methodologies and previously worked with Seafood Watch Australia assessing the sustainability of Australia’s wild harvest fisheries. He is the Field Services Manager for AAP and is responsible for the installation and maintenance of new and existing EM systems on vessels and ongoing customer support.
Lawrence was born, raised, and is now raising his own family in Victoria. He joined the Archipelago family in 2008 as a Junior Software Developer, and over the years took on more responsibilities including becoming the Database Administrator and finally the Lead Software Developer in 2019. While not working at Archipelago, he is the proud father of two great kids, an avid computer gamer, and amateur astronomer with a passion for all things astronomic.
Mark joined Archipelago in early 2021 to help manage our software projects. As a professional software engineer, with a passion for problem solving, he brings his software product development experience in health IT, industrial controls, and the telecom industries to the team. Prior to Archipelago, Mark worked for 18 years in his family’s software business serving doctors across BC. Mark suffers from a wind sport addiction that frequently draws him to the waters around the Victoria waterfront. When it’s not windy he might be on the soccer field eating Twizzlers at half time.
Frank Wang joined Archipelago in 2014 as a senior software developer focusing on EM Interpret and EM Record. He has over 15 years of experience in software development. He loves exploring the outdoors, hiking, kayaking and gardening.
Originally from Spain, Vanessa moved to Canada in 2017 for her MSc in Computer Sciences at University of Victoria and she joined Archipelago in March 2021. With an extensive background in the Tourism and Telecommunications industry her career made a turn when she arrived in Canada moving towards Health Informatics, User Experience and Artificial Intelligence. She is passionate about animals, nature, and wildlife and when she is not working you can find her enjoying parks and trails with her husband and toddler or curling up with her cats and a good book.
Ben has been with Archipelago since 2012 and in that time has created a suite of tablet applications to collect data in remote ports and at sea as well as other software tools to assist in the day to day jobs of our staff and clients. He is happy to have found an engaging career in his home city. Outside of the office he enjoys highlining, rock climbing, and hiking out in nature.
Justin joined Archipelago in March 2021, half a year after graduating with a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Victoria. Born in South Africa, his family immigrated to Canada in 2000 and lived in Vancouver and Ontario before settling in Victoria. He has worked internships at real estate management and tech companies and develops software on the side. In his free time, Justin is an avid reader, drawer, baker, golfer, and plays piano. He also plays alto saxophone and toured five countries in Europe performing with his high school concert band.
Tyrell will be working as part of the broader development team, working on Portal, FishVue Interpret, Fleet and likely many of our mobile Android applications. Tyrell will be working as part of the broader development team, working on Portal, FishVue Interpret, Fleet and likely many of our mobile Android applications.
Housam is finished his third year or Computer Science at Uvic, and has worked on various projects through his university courses. Housam will be part of the broader development team, working on Portal, FishVue Interpret, Fleet and exploring our many mobile Android applications. Housam has volunteered as an assistant camp leader with UVic’s Science Venture Summer program, and he is also an enthusiastic Rugby player.
Kaya is a 3rd year UVic student studying Computer Science. In her previous co-op she worked in quality assurance where she did testing of web product features, and documenting of manual and automated tests.