This research focuses on the possibility of a coastal migration and/or colonization route via the Queen Charlotte Islands during the period 15,000-8,500 years before present. It assesses two aspects of the changing environment in the Islands during this period: sea level change and available edible biomass for early human populations. Potential food sources of an early coastal migrating population would likely include intertidal edible molluscs. The research examines high-stand deposit locations ranging from 1 to 18 metres above sea level for evidence of edible mollusc shells. Dating of the samples collected will provide a record of high-stand elevations across the Islands, thereby providing a data set with which to model isostatic sea level response on the British Columbia continental margin.

Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.