Gord Snell
President and CEO
President and CEO
CFO
Vice President, Operations
Director, People Operations
Director, Information Technology
Manager, Operations
Manager, Fisheries Programs
Supervisor, Fisheries Data
Manager, Fisheries Programs
Manager, Fisheries Programs
Supervisor, Fisheries Programs, Port Hardy
Assistant Port Supervisor
Port Supervisor, Fisheries Programs, Prince Rupert
Supervisor, Fisheries Programs
Data Technician
Data Technician
Assistant Field Supervisor
Data Technician
Data Technician
Data Technician
Manager, Operations - Senior Biologist
Senior Biologist
Senior Biologist
Junior Biologist
Junior Biologist
Junior Biologist/Equipment Coordinator
Project Manager
Project Manager
Supervisor, Electronic Monitoring Programs, US
Manager, Fisheries Data
Manager, Electronic Monitoring Field Operations
Product Manager, Software
Manager, Software Development
Product Manager, Hardware
Senior Developer
Technical Lead
Product Coordinator, Hardware
Intermediate Developer
Intermediate Developer
Intermediate Developer
Software Developer
Software Developer
Manager, Field Services
Manager, Corporate Services
Accounting and HR Coordinator
Accounting Technician
Accounting Technician
Accounting Technician
Office Coordinator
Manager, IT Operations
System Administrator
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.
When Matt joined Archipelago in 2009, he brought many years of experience working in the commercial salmon and herring fisheries supervising sampling and monitoring programs in North Coast ports and at sea. He has worked on several creel surveys doing aerial counts and dockside interviews for the recreational salmon fishery. He spent many months living in the bush managing remote fish counting and tagging operations and he’s led many freshwater fish habitat assessments across northern BC as a field supervisor and then as a project manager. One of his favorite experiences was living part-time in the Nass Valley working with the Nisga’a Fisheries Program on many of their fisheries projects.
When he arrived at Archipelago, he was a perfect fit in the Salmon and Shellfish group, and he has been managing the operational aspects of these programs for years. He has since moved into the Program Manager role for the Geoduck, Salmon, Shrimp and Tuna programs. He’s also assisted the Marine Environmental Services group and Dockside Monitoring with field projects.
In his spare time, he loves playing disc golf, camping, and fishing with his three sons.
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.
Sutherland joined Archipelago in 2018 as a GHL imagery viewer in the Port Hardy office. In the same year he cross-trained as a dockside observer for trawl, GHL and geoduck offloads. In the beginning of 2019, he also trained as an EM technician and at the end of 2019 he accepted a new position as the Assistant Port Supervisor for Port Hardy. Sutherland has travelled to both Prince Rupert and Powell River to assist with DMP operations in both ports. He occasionally assists the data team with log entry and sensor processing and has sometimes assisted with DMP software and EM hardware QA. Sutherland’s interests outside of work include board games, video games, disc golf, hiking and trying to convince anyone who will listen that Campbell River is not really part of the north island.
Darlene joined Archipelago in 1990 as the first and only dockside monitor in Prince Rupert during the early days of dockside monitoring for geoducks and sablefish. Over the next few years the Prince Rupert team grew with the start of the GHL and trawl monitoring programs. She has witnessed the growth of dockside monitoring and EM programs over the years and with the start of EM monitoring, Darlene became involved in video viewing of Area A crab and GHL. Darlene was the first port supervisor in Prince Rupert until she stepped back to work for the IPHC as a port sampler, although she continued to view video and geoduck validations during this time. After about 20 years with the IPHC, Darlene returned to be the fulltime port supervisor again in late 2020 in Prince Rupert.
Birgit joined Archipelago in 1995 as an At Sea Observer on Foreign and Domestic fishing vessels. After spending a couple of years at sea, she settled in Vancouver and took on many roles and responsibilities for Archipelago–Port Supervisor, EM Technician, Sablefish sampling coordinator, and data technician, to name a few. In 2019, the big move to Vancouver Island occurred and, with it, a more relaxed lifestyle. When not at her desk or in the field, you can find Birgit in the garden or renovating some part of her house. She also enjoys going on hiking adventures and kayaking with family.
Hayley grew up in Victoria and has a BSc with a concentration in Marine Biology from the University of Victoria. She joined Archipelago in 2021 as a Data Technician, and since then has worked on domestic projects as well as international projects in the US and the Antarctic. She is also certified as a Dockside Observer. In her free time, she likes reading, camping, music festivals and playing with her cat Artemis.
Ryan joined AMR after graduating the UNB biology program focusing on Marine Science. Beginning the At-sea Observer Program in 2019 and moving to Dockside Monitoring in Port Hardy in 2020. Deciding to establish in Victoria he joined the Data team early in 2021 and has grown in the position focusing on the British Columbia trawl Program and Managing data shipments. In free time Ryan enjoys D&D, snorkeling, and hiking.
Bryan started working with Archipelago Marine Research in the winter of 2021. Hired as a Geoduck validator for the season in Sandspit, Haida Gwaii.
In the spring of 2022 they started working as a dockside validator for GHL and Trawl while continuing with Geoducks in Prince Rupert.
By May they accepted the position of Assistant Port Supervisor for Prince Rupert, moved to town, and bought a house. In the same year they were being cross trained as an electronic monitoring technician, and video viewer. More cross training on the horizon for Bryan.
Dominic moved to the island after completing a BSc in ecology, and at the start of 2020 joined Archipelago as an At-Sea Fisheries Observer. Later that year he transitioned to dockside observing in Port Hardy, and in 2021 joined the Victoria office team as a data tech working primarily with the hook and line fisheries. Outside of work he enjoys camping and hiking throughout the province, exploring new music and travelling with his partner.
Evan completed his BSc in Chemistry with a Biology Minor at UBCO in 2023. After working as a Co-op Student Researcher for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Evan moved to Victoria in May 2023 to begin his work with Archipelago as an At-Sea Research Technician/Biologist. In August, Evan joined the Data team working with both the trawl and hook and line fisheries. Outside of work, Evan enjoys spending his time in the outdoors while going camping, fishing, and snowboarding.
Originally from Mexico, relocated to Canada to pursue her studies. She joined Archipelago as a co-op student trough the Environmental Technology Program at Camosun College. She is currently working as a Data Technician, specializing in the management of the geoduck, shrimp, tuna and salmon fisheries. Outside of work, Ximena enjoys having intense ping-pong matches with her friends, reading a good book and soaking up the sunlight!
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.
Kristin has more than twelve years of aquatic work experience with her primary focus being on the marine environment. Kristin has a Master of Science in Marine Biodiversity – covering aspects of how everything beneath the ocean surface is related in terms of both taxonomy and ecology. Kristin’s fascination with the natural world started early while exploring the seas with family onboard grandad’s self-built wooden sailboat in Norway, and interacting with wildlife as she grew up in various parts of Latin America. Canada’s vast natural beauty and diversity is what thrilled Kristin to embark on her career as a marine biologist. Kristin’s skilled experiences include 14 years in British Columbia, six seasons in the Canadian Arctic, and three seasons in Norway. She is a certified WCB occupational diver with experience leading dive programs. She is also a mariner and generally an avid outdoors person.
Michelle is a Registered Professional biologist and commercial diver with 17 years of experience conducting marine research in Canada and abroad. Through her previous role as a regulatory biologist with DFO’s Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program, Michelle gained experience conducting regulatory reviews, working with government agencies and Indigenous groups. Michelle’s past project experience includes designing and implementing intertidal and subtidal habitat assessments, species at risk surveys, marine water quality, eelgrass, sediment, plankton, benthic invertebrates and fisheries sampling programs. Michelle is a commercial vessel operator and enjoys spending her free time on the water exploring the BC coast.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Robin comes to Archipelago with a wealth of real world product development experience taking new ideas and transforming them into things people use everyday. His passion for building world class experiences to enable data driven decision making, pushes traditional business to try new ways of doing things. Committed to uplifting everyone’s understanding, Robin’s enthusiasm for communicating to diverse audiences enables all stakeholders to grasp the narrative and the “why” behind the products and services we build. With his help, Archipelago aims to be the industry leading purveyor of EM solutions, data management and AI assisted review.
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.
Colin joined Archipelago in 2021 and works to support development of vessel-based EM products within our Monitoring Technologies division. He’s passionate about developing monitoring systems that enable us to observe the health of our oceans, and loves working on projects that keep him close to the water. Prior to his work at Archipelago, Colin worked to develop a range of leading-edge marine monitoring systems including hi-res sonars for undersea imaging and advanced weather buoys for real-time reporting of ocean conditions. When he’s not working to design our EM systems, you can generally find him on or near the water.”
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.
Growing up near the ocean in North Vancouver and learning to scuba dive in the tropics at a young age primed Megan for a love of the ocean. Although her various jobs took her to the heart of the Selkirk mountains, she came back to the ocean when she moved to Victoria in 2022 to seek a job that aligned with her values and joined Archipelago. Megan spends her weekends slogging up mountains with her dog Charlie, braving the cold waters to surf (badly), or cooking dinner for friends.
Jacob joined Archipelago in 2023, bringing with him two years of experience as an automation software programmer. He graduated from the University of Victoria with a B.Sc. in Computer Science. In his free time, Jacob is an avid forager and tabletop RPG game master, combining his love for nature and storytelling.
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 graduated from the University of Victoria in June 2022 with a BSc. in Computer Science. Just before graduating, he released an Android application with one of his university friends called TRYNDRAW in April of that year. He brings these software development skills to Archipelago, where he has been working there since September 2022. 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.
Bradley joined the company in 2023 as a co-op student near the end of his degree and was delighted to receive an offer to stay on full-time. In his free time, Bradley enjoys almost any exercise, with his favourites being running, hitting the gym, and playing volleyball. Fitting the island stereotype when it comes to outdoor activities, you can frequently find Bradley hiking, surfing, and snowboarding. To date, he has explored 14 countries and looks forward to adding more to his list soon
Brad Joined Archipelago in 2023 after being introduced to us through our shared participation in Camosun’s Capstone and Co-op programs. He has a strong history in hardware and software development and support dating back to 2001. Brad was awarded Dean’s Honour Roll every semester during his completion of Camosun’s Information and Computer Systems Technology Diploma Program. When he makes it outside Brad enjoys taking his motorcycle for long rides on the beach.
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.
Liz first started with Archipelago in 2013 as an Office Assistant. Over the years, her interest grew in the field of Finance and she stretched her role and experience in corporate services into HR and Finance, finally becoming the Manager of Finance and Admin in 2022. On her days off you can find her walking in nature, pottering around in the ceramics studio or enjoying time with family and friends.
Jordan joined the Archipelago team in 2018 as a term Accounting Technician, however she soon signed on to stay and bridged from finance to Human Resources Coordinator. Jordan loves meeting co-op students and helping run the social and community focused committees that make Archipelago a rewarding place to work. Outside of work she volunteers with 2 local rock-climbing organizations and – you guessed it, she climbs a lot! Jordan can also be found hiking around this beautiful island with her 2 dogs.
Casey joined Archipelago in 2021 as an Office Coordinator but quickly realized she had a calling in Finance. In addition to her role as an Accounting Technician, she is responsible for coordinating payroll in Canada, USA, and Australia. In her spare time, Casey enjoys being outdoors, cooking, and caring for her numerous houseplants.
Chelsea received her BSc in Environmental Science from McGill University where she was fortunate enough to study glaciology in Antarctica and hunt for dinosaurs in the Canadian badlands. From there she spent 2 years as a lab tech preparing fossils for research and display. Upon moving to BC she found a job at a senior’s residence where she learned of her enthusiasm for customer service, finance, and admin; she later took over doing payroll and became a manager. She joined Archipelago’s wonderful finance team in 2022. When she’s not at work she can be found hiking, photographing nature, and searching for the natural & human history of Vancouver Island.
Kristyn joined the Archipelago team in 2022 and after a year of working reception, has moved up into finance as an accounting technician. In her free time she enjoys tending to her outdoor garden, baking sweet treats, and engaging in cosmic horror.
Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Ally has always had a deep love for the ocean and marine wildlife. With plenty of experience in administration and customer service, Ally joined Archipelago in 2024 as the Office Coordinator. She supports all departments and is the face and voice of Archipelago when our clients call or visit. Some of her favourite things are orcas, live music, ice cream and, of course, the ocean.
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.
Rob was born in Winnipeg and has called BC home since 2008, now living in Victoria. He joined our team as a Systems Administrator in IT, bringing nearly 25 years of experience in technical support and network administration. Outside of work, Rob enjoys a variety of hobbies, including hiking, camping, woodworking, video games, Dungeons & Dragons, wine and mead making, and cooking—he even has his own cookbook! A DIY enthusiast, he’s always eager to try new things. Rob has been married to his wife Sarah since 2005, and they have a 10-year-old son, Xander. Most of his downtime is spent exploring and enjoying life on the island with his family.