Vancouver Island fossil hunters honoured in naming of prehistoric sea monster
A father-daughter duo from Vancouver Island has made a significant impact in the world of paleontology with the discovery of a new genus of giant prehistoric sea lizard near Courtenay almost four decades ago. Michael and Heather Trask were pioneers in unearthing the remains of an elasmosaur along the Puntledge River in 1988, becoming the first to find such fossils west of the Canadian Rockies.
Initially considered “odd” by experts, these specimens have recently been identified as unique to the Pacific Northwest, distinct from any other species of elasmosaur fossils found elsewhere in the world. This groundbreaking discovery led to the naming of a new genus, Traskasaura, which combines the family’s surname with “saura,” the Greek word for lizard.
Pat Trask, brother to Michael and uncle to Heather, who serves as the curator of natural history at the Courtenay Museum and Palaeontology Centre, expressed his family’s joy and pride in the new name. He recounted how Michael and Heather stumbled upon the elasmosaur while simply searching for fossils, a chance find that exceeded their expectations.
Traskasaura, with its formidable jaw filled with sharp teeth, elongated snake-like neck, and small turtle-shaped body, offers a glimpse into the marine creatures that inhabited the Salish Sea around 85 million years ago. The discovery of juvenile Traskasaura fossils by Pat in the Comox Valley further solidified the uniqueness of this ancient species.
Lead study author Prof. F. Robin O’Keefe of Marshall University in West Virginia emphasized the surprises that the fossil record continues to unveil, highlighting the gratification of discovering something unexpected. Previously known as simply an emblem of British Columbia, Traskasaura now stands as a distinguished member of the elasmosaur family, recognized for its historical significance.
The unveiling of the new genus comes at a bittersweet time, as Michael Trask sadly passed away on May 15 after a prolonged illness, following the earlier loss of his daughter, Heather. Despite the somber note, the Trask family finds solace in the legacy they have left behind through their contributions to paleontology.
As the community prepares to celebrate Michael’s life on June 1 at the Courtenay Museum and Paleontology Centre, the presence of a life-size Traskasaura skeleton replica serves as a poignant reminder of his and Heather’s enduring impact. This new genus not only honors their memory but also solidifies their place in the annals of scientific discovery.
