Guardian

Synopsis

In the depths of Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest we meet Doug Stewart, the oldest member of a dwindling stock of stewards called “Guardians.” Part hermit, part biologist, Guardians live on boats full-time in the wilderness to monitor salmon, the crux of the economy, culture and ecosystem along British Columbia’s coast. Data collected by Guardians are the building blocks of science that has allowed the region to emerge as one of the world’s best-managed fisheries and critical biological hotspot. However, that could soon change. A decade of environmental legislative rollbacks has crippled this century-old program while paving the way for oil and natural gas. This documentary tackles the consequences of the erosion of science and environmental management.