The fonds consists of monographs, scientific articles, newspaper clippings, letters, slides, photographic prints, moving images, maps and other documents. The records are arranged in 3 series, reflecting Ellis's research and teaching interests: Environmental assessments, 1969-1997; Underwater Photography of salmon, 1957-1963; Arctic Research 1952-1967.
The fonds consists of the following series: Committees, Programmes, Planning, Open Houses, Land Acquisitions, and Buildings. Also includes plans for the construction of a marine science vessel, which was later named the "John Strickland."
Fonds consists of 2 series of monitoring data: Greater Victoria Water District reports prepared by the UVic Biology Department, UVic Studies 910402 - 950131 (1967-94); and phytoplankton count sheets obtained from CRD aquatic habitats and analysed by UVic Biology Department (1967-92).