Father-daughter duo Darren Porter and Erica Danae Porter, work together as commercial harvesters with the Marine Institute of Natural and Academic Science (MINAS) and are partners in the Apoqnmatulti'k project.
Erica and Darren at work in the Bay of Fundy.
Where did you both grow up?
We both grew up in Nova Scotia. Darren was brought up in Mount Denson, and Erica was brought up in Upper Burlington.
What is a typical workday like for each of you?
Every day is very different for both of us and that’s what we love about the job. The only constant is the river, it’s either how we start or end our day. What we do in between usually also has something to do with the water such as protecting it, analyzing our data, documenting our findings, and teaching others.
What do you enjoy most about working together?
What’s unique about our situation is that we always have family around. It’s comforting to see a familiar face that you know and trust every day. We have worked together for so long that we know each other's every move and what needs to be done before one of us says it. It’s a perfect harmony.
How is Apoqnmatulti’k different from other projects that you’ve been a part of?
The biggest difference between Aponqnmatulti’k and other projects is the consistency and sheer amount of time spent on the water. We are closely monitoring, assessing, and collecting data on the river. Apoqnmatulti’k has given us a chance to really understand our backyard even more than we did before. We are fully immersed and committed to this project.
Erica lowering an acoustic receiver into the waters of the Bay of Fundy.
What does Apoqnmatulti’k mean to you?
Collectively, Apoqnmatulti’k means togetherness. We are working together, creating together, and collaborating together.
Why do you think animal tracking is important?
These animals cannot speak for themselves, therefore we believe it is our job to make their voices heard. One way we can ‘listen’ to them speak is through tracking. Tracking animals provides an opportunity for us to learn and understand their patterns and movements.
What is something most people may not know about tomcod and/or eel in the Bay of Fundy?
Something about tomcod that people may not know is that they are also called ‘frostfish’ because they are abundant during the cold months and provide a fresh source of protein. They are also on the Mi’kmaw calendar for the ‘month’ of January.
Fun fact about eels, they like the calm water and, of course, eelgrass. You won't catch an eel in the middle of the river in a strong current!
Erica and Darren bundling up for the cold winters on the Bay of Fundy.
What is something new you have learned while working on this project together in the last year?
Something new that we have learned while working on this project is probably the most cliché, but it’s that we truly do love what we do. Every time we hop in the boat, we are so appreciative that this is our job, our project, and our passion.
What are you most proud of with Apoqnmatulti’k?
We are most proud of the inclusivity. The fact that we can integrate local, Mi’kmaw, and academic knowledge systems together with everyone working in harmony is a beautiful thing!
What do you like to do together outside of work? (e.g. hobbies etc.)
We work together so much that we usually don’t have a whole lot of time spent otherwise. Although, we always allocate time to hunt together. Every year, we sit side-by-side in a tree stand. If we ever do get a chance to get out during our season, we like checking out good restaurants along the Nova Scotia coast! We’re never far from the water!