Institute for Multi-disciplinary Ecological Research in the Salish Sea

What Institute for Multi-disciplinary Ecological Research in the Salish Sea does

IMERSS (Institute for Multi-disciplinary Ecological Research in the Salish Sea) is a federally incorporated Canadian non-profit society and registered charity (BN 735876336RR0001) headquartered on Galiano Island, British Columbia, that conducts multidisciplinary, community-based ecological research across the Salish Sea bioregion. The organization originated from the 2016 Biodiversity Galiano citizen science initiative and was formally incorporated in 2020; its core team of approximately 12 members spans marine ecology, biodiversity informatics, electron microscopy, Indigenous knowledge stewardship, and inclusive design.

The organization's product surface comprises 10+ interconnected research and education programs. Core offerings include the Biodiversity Galiano initiative (documenting 3,500+ species via iNaturalist), the IMERSS Biodiversity Data Science Portal (open-source tools for biodiversity data synthesis published on GitHub), and the Xetthecum Ecocultural Mapping Pilot (integrating Indigenous knowledge and Western science into an interactive digital map). Supporting research projects span the Sentinels of Change Dungeness crab larvae monitoring partnership with Hakai Institute, Operation GaliWatch (CNN-based pollinator surveillance processing ~500,000 images), eelgrass community ecology with UBC's Parfrey Lab, microclimate monitoring, maritime lichens and diatoms inventories, the Janszen Legacy herbarium digitization project, and the 20/20 Vision on Plant Extirpation framework published in People Plants Planet (2025). Education is delivered through the Microscopic Explorations program in collaboration with UVic Advanced Microscopy Facility and Hitachi High-Tech Canada.

IMERSS operates as a non-commercial organization funded by donations via the Zeffy platform (with Canadian charitable tax receipts issued), organizational memberships, and project-specific grants from foundations and government programs including BC Parks Park Enhancement Fund, Indigenous Watersheds Initiative, and the Southern Gulf Island Community Resource Centre. Its go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, engaging volunteer naturalists, citizen scientists, interns, and Indigenous knowledge holders through place-based participation rather than commercial sales. The customer and partner ecosystem includes research institutions (Hakai, UBC, UVic, OCAD University IDRC, Royal BC Museum, Canadian Institute for Ecology and Evolution), conservation organizations (Galiano Conservancy, Valdes Island Conservancy, Átl'ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Initiative, Pacific Marine Life Surveys, Vashon Nature Centre), Indigenous-led organizations (Whiteswan Environmental, Lyackson First Nation, American Indian Higher Education Consortium), and government agencies (BC Ministry of Forests, BC Conservation Data Centre).

Name

Institute for Multi-disciplinary Ecological Research in the Salish Sea

Legal name

Institute for Multi-disciplinary Ecological Research in the Salish Sea

Website

https://imerss.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

IMERSS is a Canadian non-profit ecological research organization based on Galiano Island that conducts multidisciplinary, community-based biodiversity research and monitoring across the Salish Sea bioregion, serving researchers, Indigenous communities, conservation groups, and government agencies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Ecological Research Services

NAICS

Environmental Consulting Services (54162)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Biodiversity Baseline Studies & Long-Term Monitoring Programs (EUAHAHAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Aquatic Ecology & Fisheries Assessments (EUAHAHAB), Terrestrial Ecology & Habitat Surveys (EUAHAHAA), Nature & Biodiversity Reporting (TNFD, natural capital) (EUAHAJAM), Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation (BPAGAGAA), Wildlife Surveys & Movement/Connectivity Studies (e.g., Avian/Bat, Telemetry) (EUAHAHAH)

Keywords

• Community ecology research
• Biodiversity informatics
• Citizen science monitoring
• Ecocultural mapping services
• Conservation data analysis

Headquarters

HQ city

Denman Island

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations supporting community-based biodiversity research and conservation throughout the Salish Sea bioregion. Canadian charitable tax receipts issued directly.
2. Membership: Organizational membership supporting the IMERSS community and its work in the Salish Sea.
3. Project Grants and Funding: Funding from foundations and government programs including BC Parks Park Enhancement Fund, Indigenous Watersheds Initiative, and other research grants supporting specific projects.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

IMERSS conducts community-based ecological research and biodiversity monitoring across the Salish Sea bioregion, integrating Indigenous knowledge with Western science through citizen science, open-source biodiversity informatics tools, and participatory ecocultural mapping. Core offerings include biodiversity documentation initiatives (e.g., Biodiversity Galiano via iNaturalist), the open-source IMERSS Biodiversity Data Science Portal, the Xetthecum Ecocultural Mapping Pilot, AI-enabled pollinator surveillance (GaliWatch), and a suite of long-term species and ecosystem monitoring projects.

Product overview

IMERSS is a federally incorporated Canadian non-profit that functions as a multidisciplinary ecological research organization, not a traditional software product company. Its portfolio centers on community-based biodiversity research comprising multiple interconnected research initiatives and programs. Core offerings include the Biodiversity Galiano Island initiative (citizen science species documentation via iNaturalist with 3,500+ species documented), the IMERSS Biodiversity Data Science Portal (open source tools for biodiversity data synthesis), and the Xetthecum Ecocultural Mapping Pilot (GIS-based participatory mapping integrating Indigenous knowledge). Supporting research projects include Sentinels of Change (Dungeness crab monitoring), Eelgrass Community Ecology, Diatoms of the Salish Sea, Maritime Lichens of the Salish Sea, Microclimate Monitoring, and Operation GaliWatch (AI-powered pollinator surveillance). Education offerings include Microscopic Explorations (SEM-based science outreach). The Living Data Science program preserves naturalist legacy data to support ongoing biodiversity tracking across the bioregion.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Biodiversity Galiano: A community-based initiative to document the flora and fauna of Galiano Island, BC
• Xetthecum
• Sentinels of Change
• GaliWatch

Products and services

• Biodiversity Galiano Island

Quantifiable outcome

• Community science platforms like iNaturalist have documented 3,500+ species on Galiano Island
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability4 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Hakai InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMERSS is a partner for the Hakai Institute-led Sentinels of Change Dungeness crab larvae light trap program, a decade-long study understanding population fluctuations of Dungeness crab from larvae to adult stages. IMERSS co-coordinates the program on Galiano Island with the Galiano Conservancy.
• Whiteswan EnvironmentalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndigenous-led nonprofit collaborating on Xetthecum ecocultural mapping pilot and expansion of mapping practices to significant sites throughout the Salish Sea. Whiteswan Environmental provides expertise in mapping sites of ancestral significance across the region.
• Inclusive Design Research Centre (OCAD University)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration advancing inclusive approaches to biodiversity informatics that honor diverse knowledge systems including Indigenous cultures, community scientists, and semi-professional scientists. Dana Ayotte serves as Senior Inclusive Designer.
• Pacific Marine Life SurveysmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional community science diving initiative contributing 60% of novel marine records for Galiano Island. Colin Clark, Donna Gibbs, and Charlie Gibbs participate in the Biodiversity Informatics Working Group.
• Canadian Institute for Ecology and EvolutionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports the Janszen Legacy Project through Living Data Project interns and ongoing project support. Contributes to open source biodiversity data infrastructure development.
• Átl'ka7tsem / Howe Sound Biosphere Region InitiativemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on biodiversity assessment framework development. Andrew Simon is working with the initiative to advance community-based biodiversity research.
• Galiano Conservancy AssociationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership on microclimate monitoring and biodiversity research on Galiano Island. Dana Ayotte volunteered with the conservancy before joining IMERSS.
• Valdes Island ConservancyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in microclimate monitoring research in the southern Gulf Islands.
• Parfrey Lab (UBC)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partnership with Emily Adamczyk, Laura Parfrey, and Siobhan Schenk exploring eelgrass community ecology and the microscopic worlds of epiphytic microbes on eelgrass leaves.
• UVic Advanced Microscopy FacilitycoreTechnology or IntegrationDr. Elaine Humphrey leads electron microscopy work, providing access to world-leading microscopy capabilities including the Hitachi TM4000 Desktop Scanning Electron Microscope for biodiversity research.
• Hitachi High-Tech Canada Inc.majorTechnology or IntegrationProvided Hitachi TM4000 Desktop Scanning Electron Microscope for exploratory work on eelgrass, diatoms, and other microscopic biodiversity research projects.
• BC Ministry of ForestsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeather Klassen from BC Ministry of Forests participates in microclimate monitoring research collaboration.
• UVic Earth & Ocean SciencesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEd Wiebe from UVic Earth & Ocean Sciences collaborates on microclimate monitoring research.
• UBC GeographyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDan Moore from UBC Geography participates in microclimate monitoring research.
• Lyackson First NationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndigenous nation partner in microclimate monitoring research in the southern Gulf Islands.
• Royal British Columbia MuseummajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeidi Guest and Ken Marr collaborate on the Janszen Legacy Project, curating Harvey Janszen's botanical collections and specimen data.
• University of British Columbia HerbariummajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLinda Jennings from UBC Herbarium collaborates on the Janszen Legacy Project, digitizing herbarium voucher specimens and field notes.
• BC Conservation Data CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarta Donovan and Jenifer Penny collaborate on the 20/20 Vision on Plant Extirpation project, providing conservation data center expertise.
• Vashon Nature CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Xetthecum Ecocultural Mapping Pilot project, contributing to cross-cultural ecocultural mapping framework development.
• Transition Salt SpringminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRuth Waldick serves as Director with Transition Salt Spring, contributing to climate adaptation work in the Gulf Islands.
• American Indian Higher Education ConsortiumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of the multidisciplinary, cross-cultural and transboundary partnerships bringing diverse individuals and organizations toward shared vision for the bioregion.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Pacific Marine Life Surveys: Regional community-science diving initiative that supplies 60% of novel marine records for Galiano Island. Direct collaborator and peer in using volunteer divers to document biodiversity in the Salish Sea.
• Hakai Institute: Major coastal and marine research institute also active in the Salish Sea region. Direct collaborator on the Sentinels of Change program and overlaps significantly with IMERSS on biodiversity, marine ecology, and long-term monitoring work, though at a much larger scale.
• Átl'ka7tsem / Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative: Biosphere initiative in the Salish Sea advancing community-based biodiversity assessment, with which IMERSS collaborates on framework development. Comparable in blending research, community engagement, and bioregional conservation at a small-organizational scale.
• Galiano Conservancy Association: Local land conservancy and long-standing IMERSS partner on Galiano Island. Shares the same geographic footprint and engages in overlapping biodiversity monitoring, conservation, and citizen science work, making it both a peer and a collaborator.
• Royal British Columbia Museum: Provincial natural history museum and partner on the Janszen Legacy Project. Comparable in curating biodiversity specimens and contributing to regional biodiversity knowledge, though with a much larger institutional footprint and permanent collections.

Broad incumbents

• Nature Conservancy Canada: Canada's largest land conservation non-profit. Operates in overlapping geographies (BC, Salish Sea) and shares the conservation mission, but its primary focus is private land securement rather than community-based research and Indigenous knowledge integration.
• NatureServe: A leading non-profit provider of biodiversity and ecological data, including conservation status assessments. Comparable in its focus on biodiversity data infrastructure and supporting conservation decisions, but operates at a national scale across North America.
• iNaturalist (California Academy of Sciences & National Geographic Society): The primary citizen science biodiversity platform IMERSS depends on for data collection. Overlaps in mission on biodiversity observation and community science, but at vastly greater scale and serving as upstream infrastructure rather than a research program operator.

Peers

• Earthwatch Institute: Non-profit that mobilizes citizen scientists to support field research globally. Directly comparable in its community-based, volunteer-engaged research model, although Earthwatch operates internationally and across many disciplines beyond ecology.

Others

• BC Conservation Data Centre: Provincial government program that compiles and disseminates conservation-related data on species and ecosystems. Functionally adjacent as a user and source of biodiversity data, and a partner on the extirpation project, but it operates as a government program rather than a community-based non-profit.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• GitHubgithub.com/imerss
• Facebookfacebook.com/IMERSS.labs
• Instagraminstagram.com/imerss_labs
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/institute-for-multidisciplinary-ecological-research-in-the-salish-sea-imerss

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Institute for Multi-disciplinary Ecological Research in the Salish Sea