Meet Tristan Dieleman
Each year, the Pacific Salmon Foundation supports the next generation of salmon leaders through scholarships and bursaries that help students pursue their academic and professional goals in salmon conservation.
This spring, two students in VIU’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Diploma Program received PSF-supported scholarships in recognition of their outstanding academic performance and passion for wild salmon stewardship.
The Dr. Brian Riddell PSF Fisheries Endowment Fund, established in 2018 to honour PSF’s former CEO and longtime Fisheries and Oceans Canada scientist, supports an upper-level VIU student each year who is focused on wild salmon conservation and management. This year’s recipient is Juno Thummerer.
The Alexander “Sandy” Miller PSF Fisheries Endowment Award was established in memory of a VIU Fisheries and Aquaculture student who passed away in 2017. Funded by PSF, his family and the VIU Foundation, the award honours Sandy’s generous spirit and his passion for wildlife and salmon conservation.
Meet Tristen Dieleman, recipient of the 2025 “Sandy Miller” award
What sparked your initial interest in salmon conservation?
My dad was a commercial fisherman until he quit in 1995. Growing up, he often talked about declining fish stocks, which made me aware early on of the challenges salmon face. Although we mostly fished for freshwater species, I remember once catching a Chinook. My dad told me, “You have to keep in mind the incredible journey this fish made to come back against all odds after years in the ocean. It’s an amazing resource and a keystone species.”
Fish and fishing have always been a big part of my life, so I pursued formal education in fisheries and aquaculture to deepen my understanding and contribute to conservation.
How does salmon stewardship show up in your life today?
Through my program at VIU, I completed practicums focused on salmon enhancement at Big Qualicum Hatchery, Little Qualicum River Fish Hatchery, and Rosewall Creek Hatchery. When I’m by a river now, I see how the pristine condition of riverbanks is linked to the presence of salmon and the marine-derived nutrients they deliver.
I also enjoy sharing this knowledge to build awareness and inspire action. For example, I volunteered at the Nanaimo River Hatchery and at VIU Fest in the fall of 2024, running booths focused on salmon education.
What’s a salmon-related project or idea you’re interested in?
It truly is death by a thousand cuts for Pacific salmon. If I had the opportunity to focus on one area, it would be freshwater habitat restoration.
These habitats are critical for salmon during key life stages and are heavily impacted by human activity. They also offer a unique chance to improve how we interact with the environment and raise public awareness, since salmon are most visible here. Informed and respectful actions can have a disproportionately positive impact on these habitats.
What gives you hope when it comes to salmon conservation?
Being part of this community shows me how much good work often goes unnoticed. People are making a difference for salmon every day.
For example, during our salmon enumeration and habitat assessment field trips on Chase River near Nanaimo, we saw woody debris washed into the lower reaches after an atmospheric river, blocking fish passage near the estuary. Downriver, hundreds of chum salmon were waiting to move upstream. In response, local partners and residents came together to clear the blockage and restore access. It was a great example of “See, Can, Do.”
Can you share some of your career goals?
I’m interested in salmon enhancement and stock assessments because I want to give back as a fisherman. My coursework at VIU also opened my eyes to process-based restoration. Working as a technician focused on freshwater habitat restoration would be especially rewarding given the challenges salmon face today in a changing climate.
To learn more about scholarship opportunities at VIU, please contact Duane Barker: Duane.Barker@viu.ca.
Details on PSF’s Stewardship Community Bursaries are available here.
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