OUR RESEARCH · SUSTAIN

Sustainable Resource and Land-Use Development

How can we meet society’s needs for energy, infrastructure, and land development while sustaining freshwater ecosystems? We investigate the effects of industrial activity and land-use change on aquatic biodiversity, and develop evidence to support better management decisions.

Stream Crossings and Fish Passage

We study how roads, culverts, and bridges alter stream habitat and fish movement, and identify opportunities to improve connectivity and prioritize restoration.

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Oil Sands Monitoring

We assess changes in water chemistry and aquatic ecosystems associated with oil sands development, helping strengthen evidence-based environmental monitoring.

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Stormwater Pond Management

We investigate how urban stormwater ponds function as aquatic ecosystems, including their roles as habitat for native and invasive species. Our research examines how pond design, water quality, and management practices influence biodiversity, with the goal of helping municipalities balance stormwater infrastructure needs with freshwater conservation.

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Metal Contamination

We examine how metals accumulate in fish and aquatic food webs and what these patterns reveal about ecosystem health and environmental exposure. Our studies examine trace-element accumulation, mercury bioaccumulation in stream fish, and mercury, selenium, and arsenic concentrations.

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Stream crossings in Alberta’s boreal forest

Research on industrial road crossings reveals how culverts and bridges can change fish habitat and restrict connectivity, informing the prioritization of passage improvements.

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Investigating aquatic effects of industrial spills

Using field surveys and stable isotopes, we examine changes in stream food webs following a major mine spill in the Athabasca River watershed.

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