Francis Juanes - Liber Ero Professor of Fisheries
Current Lab Members
Postdoctoral Fellows
Morgan Martin
I work with Wildlife Conservation Society Canada paired with the Juanes Lab to examine the behavioural responses of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) to ship related noise underwater. We are deploying suction cup tags onto bowhead whales that provide real-time 3D movements of the whales and also records the sounds that the whales hear underwater. From this, we can estimate what ship related noise levels cause the whales to alter their behaviour. I am also working on evaluating how previously satellite tagged bowhead and beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) interact and potentially avoid ships at close distances.
I work with Wildlife Conservation Society Canada paired with the Juanes Lab to examine the behavioural responses of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) to ship related noise underwater. We are deploying suction cup tags onto bowhead whales that provide real-time 3D movements of the whales and also records the sounds that the whales hear underwater. From this, we can estimate what ship related noise levels cause the whales to alter their behaviour. I am also working on evaluating how previously satellite tagged bowhead and beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) interact and potentially avoid ships at close distances.
Niki Diogou
I am a bioacoustician and oceanographer; in my work I use passive acoustic recordings to investigate marine mammal presence in remote and inaccessible locations and answer ecological questions. My postdoctoral research is a collaboration between the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, Stan Dosso’s Lab, and the Juanes Lab aiming to assess spatiotemporal patterns of bowhead presence and underwater noise in the Western Canadian Arctic. Using year-round recordings from a suite of acoustic stations in the Amundsen Gulf, I am interested in understanding and quantifying how bowheads, as well as other Arctic marine mammal species, distribution and movements may be influenced by climate change, oceanographic shifts, and anthropogenic noise. I am passionate about the world oceans and seas and their conservation is the major driver for my science.
I am a bioacoustician and oceanographer; in my work I use passive acoustic recordings to investigate marine mammal presence in remote and inaccessible locations and answer ecological questions. My postdoctoral research is a collaboration between the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, Stan Dosso’s Lab, and the Juanes Lab aiming to assess spatiotemporal patterns of bowhead presence and underwater noise in the Western Canadian Arctic. Using year-round recordings from a suite of acoustic stations in the Amundsen Gulf, I am interested in understanding and quantifying how bowheads, as well as other Arctic marine mammal species, distribution and movements may be influenced by climate change, oceanographic shifts, and anthropogenic noise. I am passionate about the world oceans and seas and their conservation is the major driver for my science.
Will Duguid
Will is interested in fine scale spatial and temporal patterns of habitat use by Pacific Salmon in their first year at sea. These patterns determine how juvenile salmon experience bottom up and top down regulators of first year survival; which in turn may be the primary drivers of variable recruitment in a changing ocean. Will's current focus is understanding how juvenile Chinook Salmon distribution, diet and growth are influenced by the gradients of tidal mixing and water column stratification that are conspicuous characteristics of the inside waters of the Salish Sea.
Will is interested in fine scale spatial and temporal patterns of habitat use by Pacific Salmon in their first year at sea. These patterns determine how juvenile salmon experience bottom up and top down regulators of first year survival; which in turn may be the primary drivers of variable recruitment in a changing ocean. Will's current focus is understanding how juvenile Chinook Salmon distribution, diet and growth are influenced by the gradients of tidal mixing and water column stratification that are conspicuous characteristics of the inside waters of the Salish Sea.
Nora Carlson
I am a behavioural ecologist that focuses on animal communication and predator-prey relationships. Although my introduction to science and bioacoustics was in the Salish Sea, since then my research has focused primarily on birds (Paridae sp., starlings, and sociable weavers) and how they communicate with one another about predators, how they use vocalisations to coordinate group behaviour, and how anthropogenic noise may be impacting how they do this. I am very excited to be expanding my focus to include fish, as I believe that there are many behavioural and ecological parallels between fish and birds, and hope to gain a better understanding of where these similarities lie. My current postdoctoral research is a collaboration between ECCC and the Juanes Lab and focuses on how anthropogenic noise impacts forage fish behaviour (sand lance and herring) in the short and long term and how these behavioural changes will alter their availability as prey to their marine avian predators (rhinoceros auklet and marbled murrelet). I am particularly interested in understanding the longer-term effects and repercussions on anthropogenic noise on species’ life histories and on multiple levels on interspecific interaction.
I am a behavioural ecologist that focuses on animal communication and predator-prey relationships. Although my introduction to science and bioacoustics was in the Salish Sea, since then my research has focused primarily on birds (Paridae sp., starlings, and sociable weavers) and how they communicate with one another about predators, how they use vocalisations to coordinate group behaviour, and how anthropogenic noise may be impacting how they do this. I am very excited to be expanding my focus to include fish, as I believe that there are many behavioural and ecological parallels between fish and birds, and hope to gain a better understanding of where these similarities lie. My current postdoctoral research is a collaboration between ECCC and the Juanes Lab and focuses on how anthropogenic noise impacts forage fish behaviour (sand lance and herring) in the short and long term and how these behavioural changes will alter their availability as prey to their marine avian predators (rhinoceros auklet and marbled murrelet). I am particularly interested in understanding the longer-term effects and repercussions on anthropogenic noise on species’ life histories and on multiple levels on interspecific interaction.
PhD Students
Morgan Black
With the support of the EIRP lab (VIU), the Juanes lab (UVIC), and the Hakai Institute, Morgan will be looking at the fish and mobile invertebrate communities found on clam gardens in several sites on the BC coast. She has a very broad range of interests from bats to benthos. Biodiversity and ecological interactions link many of her interests together, and coastal ecology allows her to be in her favorite place in the world... the ocean. See her website here
With the support of the EIRP lab (VIU), the Juanes lab (UVIC), and the Hakai Institute, Morgan will be looking at the fish and mobile invertebrate communities found on clam gardens in several sites on the BC coast. She has a very broad range of interests from bats to benthos. Biodiversity and ecological interactions link many of her interests together, and coastal ecology allows her to be in her favorite place in the world... the ocean. See her website here
Rhonda Reidy
My interests lie in quantifying predator-prey dynamics in a realistic habitat context to reduce uncertainty. In British Columbia, increasing numbers of humpback whales are found in coastal areas associated with high biological productivity of importance to fisheries. I’m therefore investigating complex prey parameters relative to 3-dimensional humpback whale behavior underwater, using a multi-sensor tag attached via suction cups and concurrent measures of prey from scientific echo-sounders.
My interests lie in quantifying predator-prey dynamics in a realistic habitat context to reduce uncertainty. In British Columbia, increasing numbers of humpback whales are found in coastal areas associated with high biological productivity of importance to fisheries. I’m therefore investigating complex prey parameters relative to 3-dimensional humpback whale behavior underwater, using a multi-sensor tag attached via suction cups and concurrent measures of prey from scientific echo-sounders.
Leigh Gaffney
Leigh’s background is in animal welfare science and behaviour. She is particularly interested in questions that address how fish welfare, policy, and conservation efforts meet. Leigh’s project, part of CHONe 2, will investigate the impacts hatchery-rearing practices may have on Coho Salmon otolith development and how this influences the hearing abilities, behaviours, and survival of hatchery-reared salmon. Otoliths are essential components of the sensory organs that enable all teleost fish to hear and maintain balance, and are primarily composed of calcium carbonate. Previous research has shown that the otoliths of hatchery-reared salmon possess higher percentages of “abnormal” (an abnormal polymorph of calcium carbonate) or vateritic otoliths in comparison to wild salmon. These vateritic otoliths may reduce otolith function and cause hearing loss in salmon; potentially leading to negative fish welfare and reduced survival. However, little research has been done to investigate the effects of vateritic otoliths on fish or what environmental rearing practices might cause vateritic otoliths to form.
Leigh’s background is in animal welfare science and behaviour. She is particularly interested in questions that address how fish welfare, policy, and conservation efforts meet. Leigh’s project, part of CHONe 2, will investigate the impacts hatchery-rearing practices may have on Coho Salmon otolith development and how this influences the hearing abilities, behaviours, and survival of hatchery-reared salmon. Otoliths are essential components of the sensory organs that enable all teleost fish to hear and maintain balance, and are primarily composed of calcium carbonate. Previous research has shown that the otoliths of hatchery-reared salmon possess higher percentages of “abnormal” (an abnormal polymorph of calcium carbonate) or vateritic otoliths in comparison to wild salmon. These vateritic otoliths may reduce otolith function and cause hearing loss in salmon; potentially leading to negative fish welfare and reduced survival. However, little research has been done to investigate the effects of vateritic otoliths on fish or what environmental rearing practices might cause vateritic otoliths to form.
Darienne Lancaster
Darienne will be developing passive and active acoustic methods for assessing rockfish abundance, size, and habitat as well as investigating the impacts of vessel noise on rockfish behavior. Darienne is fascinated by all things rockfish and completed a Masters thesis in 2015 on recreational non-compliance in Rockfish Conservation Areas with Dr. Natalie Ban. Darienne has also worked for DFO in BC and Newfoundland and participated in SCUBA research projects all over the world. Darienne will be completing her PhD research as a collaboration between the Juanes Lab at the University of Victoria and Dr. Dana Haggarty’s group at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Darienne will be developing passive and active acoustic methods for assessing rockfish abundance, size, and habitat as well as investigating the impacts of vessel noise on rockfish behavior. Darienne is fascinated by all things rockfish and completed a Masters thesis in 2015 on recreational non-compliance in Rockfish Conservation Areas with Dr. Natalie Ban. Darienne has also worked for DFO in BC and Newfoundland and participated in SCUBA research projects all over the world. Darienne will be completing her PhD research as a collaboration between the Juanes Lab at the University of Victoria and Dr. Dana Haggarty’s group at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Kelsie Murchy
Pacific salmon and Southern Resident killer whales are important species in southern British Columbia, and their decline has increased public awareness and research. My project is aimed to evaluate the impacts of shipping noise on Chinook salmon behaviour and physiology as these are the preferred prey of southern resident killer whales. Chinook salmon will also be exposed to southern resident killer whale vocalizations to determine their sensitivity and characterize any predator avoidance. I am also recording a variety of Pacific salmon in a semi-natural environment to evaluate the presence of vocalizations.
Pacific salmon and Southern Resident killer whales are important species in southern British Columbia, and their decline has increased public awareness and research. My project is aimed to evaluate the impacts of shipping noise on Chinook salmon behaviour and physiology as these are the preferred prey of southern resident killer whales. Chinook salmon will also be exposed to southern resident killer whale vocalizations to determine their sensitivity and characterize any predator avoidance. I am also recording a variety of Pacific salmon in a semi-natural environment to evaluate the presence of vocalizations.
Annika Heimrich
I am a former international Masters student at the Juanes Lab, and after working as a wildlife guide and marine mammal observer for the past two years in Iceland I am back on the team at UVic. I study underwater acoustics in the Western Canadian Arctic and examine the soundscape of various areas (i.e Kitikmeot region, Amundsen Gulf). A strong focus of my work lies on the evaluation of spatiotemporal distribution patterns of marine mammals and fish based on their vocal presence. Typical species vocally present in the Western Canadian Arctic are bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus), beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), two pinniped species known as bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) and ringed seals (Pusa hispida), as well as fish species such as Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida). Since most of the accessible regions for humans in the Western Canadian Arctic have few regulations in place to mitigate shipping noise, my work aims to also assess shipping noise in these areas.
I am a former international Masters student at the Juanes Lab, and after working as a wildlife guide and marine mammal observer for the past two years in Iceland I am back on the team at UVic. I study underwater acoustics in the Western Canadian Arctic and examine the soundscape of various areas (i.e Kitikmeot region, Amundsen Gulf). A strong focus of my work lies on the evaluation of spatiotemporal distribution patterns of marine mammals and fish based on their vocal presence. Typical species vocally present in the Western Canadian Arctic are bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus), beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), two pinniped species known as bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) and ringed seals (Pusa hispida), as well as fish species such as Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida). Since most of the accessible regions for humans in the Western Canadian Arctic have few regulations in place to mitigate shipping noise, my work aims to also assess shipping noise in these areas.
Micah Quindazzi
Micah's research primarily focuses on the factors influencing the migratory behaviour of Chinook and Coho salmon and using new techniques in the field of otolith microchemistry (trace elements and stable isotopes). Otoliths are useful structures to study because they grow incrementally over the course of the salmon's life and are inert once incorporated. This allows Micah to identify the marine regions these salmon transited over the course of their lifetimes by comparing to baseline samples and a priori isoscape models. He also uses automated, 3D, μCT scanning to increase the throughput and quality of otolith morphometric data to answer a variety of ecological questions.
Micah's research primarily focuses on the factors influencing the migratory behaviour of Chinook and Coho salmon and using new techniques in the field of otolith microchemistry (trace elements and stable isotopes). Otoliths are useful structures to study because they grow incrementally over the course of the salmon's life and are inert once incorporated. This allows Micah to identify the marine regions these salmon transited over the course of their lifetimes by comparing to baseline samples and a priori isoscape models. He also uses automated, 3D, μCT scanning to increase the throughput and quality of otolith morphometric data to answer a variety of ecological questions.
Braeden Donaldson
The main driver of my research is the need to recover salmon populations in streams where salmon runs have been severely diminished or lost entirely. I seek to use predator-prey dynamics and life skills training as a means of improving the health and abundance of Coho salmon in southern Vancouver Island. I will be examining the effect of predators on the behavioural plasticity of hatchery-raised Coho and how in-hatchery predator exposure will translate to increasing their post-release survival.
The main driver of my research is the need to recover salmon populations in streams where salmon runs have been severely diminished or lost entirely. I seek to use predator-prey dynamics and life skills training as a means of improving the health and abundance of Coho salmon in southern Vancouver Island. I will be examining the effect of predators on the behavioural plasticity of hatchery-raised Coho and how in-hatchery predator exposure will translate to increasing their post-release survival.
Deborah (Debbie) Sharpe
Deborah, known to most as Debbie, is currently a PhD student in the Juanes Lab, working as a Mitacs Accelerate Fellow with researchers at Wildlife Conservation Society Canada to examine the spatio-temporal patterns of ringed seals – a culturally and ecologically important species in the Canadian arctic. As ice-free periods increase in both duration and extent throughout the arctic, vessel traffic is also increasing, changing the underwater soundscape that marine mammals live in. Like many of her labmates, Debbie’s work is particularly focused on evaluating how vessel noise may impact species like the ringed seal, and will involve the use of AIS vessel data and animal-borne telemetry devices. Check out her website.
Deborah, known to most as Debbie, is currently a PhD student in the Juanes Lab, working as a Mitacs Accelerate Fellow with researchers at Wildlife Conservation Society Canada to examine the spatio-temporal patterns of ringed seals – a culturally and ecologically important species in the Canadian arctic. As ice-free periods increase in both duration and extent throughout the arctic, vessel traffic is also increasing, changing the underwater soundscape that marine mammals live in. Like many of her labmates, Debbie’s work is particularly focused on evaluating how vessel noise may impact species like the ringed seal, and will involve the use of AIS vessel data and animal-borne telemetry devices. Check out her website.
Chrissy Schelleberg
With collaborative efforts, Chrissy will aim to characterize Arctic cod sound production/vocalizations during their spawning season using passive acoustic monitoring (PAM). In addition, she will investigate whether there are any associations between their reproductive behaviour and sound production. PAM is a useful tool to monitor Arctic cod populations and their spawning grounds. With continuous monitoring, PAM will also be able to detect potential shifts in Arctic cod populations due to climate-driven environmental changes. Chrissy is also interested in studying how environmental change, such as with temperature and dissolved oxygen, may impact Arctic cod behaviour and physiology.
With collaborative efforts, Chrissy will aim to characterize Arctic cod sound production/vocalizations during their spawning season using passive acoustic monitoring (PAM). In addition, she will investigate whether there are any associations between their reproductive behaviour and sound production. PAM is a useful tool to monitor Arctic cod populations and their spawning grounds. With continuous monitoring, PAM will also be able to detect potential shifts in Arctic cod populations due to climate-driven environmental changes. Chrissy is also interested in studying how environmental change, such as with temperature and dissolved oxygen, may impact Arctic cod behaviour and physiology.
Meredith Potchard
My research will focus on the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) as a tool for monitoring and modeling the distribution, abundance, and run timing of oolichan (Thaleichthys pacificus, or eulachon) populations within the central coast of British Columbia. I have experience using similar methods in coastal streams throughout Southeast Alaska and have worked to develop the Southeast Alaska Oolichan Tribal Monitoring Network to help monitor this culturally important species. My work will also link these ongoing oolichan projects along the Pacific Coast to better understand population dynamics.
My research will focus on the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) as a tool for monitoring and modeling the distribution, abundance, and run timing of oolichan (Thaleichthys pacificus, or eulachon) populations within the central coast of British Columbia. I have experience using similar methods in coastal streams throughout Southeast Alaska and have worked to develop the Southeast Alaska Oolichan Tribal Monitoring Network to help monitor this culturally important species. My work will also link these ongoing oolichan projects along the Pacific Coast to better understand population dynamics.
MSc. Students
Mackenzie Woods
My research focuses on fish behaviour and acoustic communication. I am currently studying the impact of marine noise pollution on plainfin midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus), which nest in the intertidal and rely on acoustic courtship for reproduction. I am particularly interested in the potential consequences for communication and social dynamics. My research will further our understanding of how marine animals respond to anthropogenic noise in their natural habitats. Check out my 3 minute thesis presentation here.
My research focuses on fish behaviour and acoustic communication. I am currently studying the impact of marine noise pollution on plainfin midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus), which nest in the intertidal and rely on acoustic courtship for reproduction. I am particularly interested in the potential consequences for communication and social dynamics. My research will further our understanding of how marine animals respond to anthropogenic noise in their natural habitats. Check out my 3 minute thesis presentation here.
Jessica Qualley
Jess is interested in the migration ecology of adult Pacific Herring (Clupea pallasii) in the Strait of Georgia. The majority of herring in this population migrate between spawning grounds in the Strait of Georgia and feeding grounds on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Some herring, however, are non-migratory and exhibit a resident life history within the Salish Sea. Jess’ MSc research will investigate how juvenile growth conditions are correlated with migratory and non-migratory types within the population, as it relates to the spatial and temporal distribution of herring biomass available to the rest of the ecosystem.
Jess is interested in the migration ecology of adult Pacific Herring (Clupea pallasii) in the Strait of Georgia. The majority of herring in this population migrate between spawning grounds in the Strait of Georgia and feeding grounds on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Some herring, however, are non-migratory and exhibit a resident life history within the Salish Sea. Jess’ MSc research will investigate how juvenile growth conditions are correlated with migratory and non-migratory types within the population, as it relates to the spatial and temporal distribution of herring biomass available to the rest of the ecosystem.
Katie Innes
Katie has been a part of the Juanes lab for several years as a research assistant and lab manager, participating in many lab and field projects. Her current research is a component of a larger project studying juvenile Pacific salmon and steelhead survival bottlenecks in collaboration with BCCF, PSF, and DFO. Specifically, she is studying the overwinter feeding ecology and bioenergetics of juvenile Chinook Salmon in the Strait of Georgia to investigate the plausibility of winter as a period of starvation and nutritional stress.
Katie has been a part of the Juanes lab for several years as a research assistant and lab manager, participating in many lab and field projects. Her current research is a component of a larger project studying juvenile Pacific salmon and steelhead survival bottlenecks in collaboration with BCCF, PSF, and DFO. Specifically, she is studying the overwinter feeding ecology and bioenergetics of juvenile Chinook Salmon in the Strait of Georgia to investigate the plausibility of winter as a period of starvation and nutritional stress.
Hailey Davies
Hailey has experience conducting research on topics including marine biodiversity, shellfish aquaculture, microplastics, and soundscape ecology. She has been a part of the Juanes Lab as an undergraduate student and research assistant, and has become particularly interested in topics related to fish welfare. Hailey’s MSc project will investigate the effectiveness of descending devices at reducing barotrauma in BC inshore rockfishes. Due to their physiology, rockfishes suffer high mortality rates when released at the surface without recompression. Another aspect of Hailey’s project is studying how rockfish soundscapes may be affected by barotrauma events.
Hailey has experience conducting research on topics including marine biodiversity, shellfish aquaculture, microplastics, and soundscape ecology. She has been a part of the Juanes Lab as an undergraduate student and research assistant, and has become particularly interested in topics related to fish welfare. Hailey’s MSc project will investigate the effectiveness of descending devices at reducing barotrauma in BC inshore rockfishes. Due to their physiology, rockfishes suffer high mortality rates when released at the surface without recompression. Another aspect of Hailey’s project is studying how rockfish soundscapes may be affected by barotrauma events.
Wesley Greentree
Wesley is interested in salmon ecology and migration behaviour. Strait of Georgia Chinook Salmon exhibit differential migration, where some individuals migrate offshore while others remain resident in the Strait of Georgia. To understand the individual-level basis of distinct migration strategies, Wesley is tracking juvenile Chinook Salmon migrations with acoustic tags. He is excited to work with PSF, BCCF, and DFO on the Bottlenecks to Survival Project, which addresses important knowledge gaps about salmon survival and ecology.
Wesley is interested in salmon ecology and migration behaviour. Strait of Georgia Chinook Salmon exhibit differential migration, where some individuals migrate offshore while others remain resident in the Strait of Georgia. To understand the individual-level basis of distinct migration strategies, Wesley is tracking juvenile Chinook Salmon migrations with acoustic tags. He is excited to work with PSF, BCCF, and DFO on the Bottlenecks to Survival Project, which addresses important knowledge gaps about salmon survival and ecology.
Staff and Associates
Bridget Maher - Lab Manager
Bridget started in the Juanes Lab as a field research assistant before transitioning into the role of lab manager in 2021. She facilities and participates in many of the projects ongoing in the lab with a focus on the BC Adult Salmon Diet Program and ongoing Kelp Forest research in Barkley Sound. She previously worked as a dive instructor in the southeast Asia and Europe before returning to Canada to compete her undergraduate degree at UVIC. She continues to dive recreationally and as a scientific diver through UVIC.
Bridget started in the Juanes Lab as a field research assistant before transitioning into the role of lab manager in 2021. She facilities and participates in many of the projects ongoing in the lab with a focus on the BC Adult Salmon Diet Program and ongoing Kelp Forest research in Barkley Sound. She previously worked as a dive instructor in the southeast Asia and Europe before returning to Canada to compete her undergraduate degree at UVIC. She continues to dive recreationally and as a scientific diver through UVIC.
Amalis Riera - Research Associate
Amalis did her MSc. at UVic in killer whale acoustics and joined the Juanes lab in 2015 to study fish sounds at the Bowie Seamount Marine Protected Area. Her research has focused on describing new fish sounds to contribute to a global inventory of soniferous fish species. She has confirmed sound production for sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria), Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida), and walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus). Her current projects include the FishSounds website (https://fishsounds.net/) and NPRB-funded “Passive Acoustic Monitoring of Arctic cod: seasonality and demography of their sound production”.
Amalis did her MSc. at UVic in killer whale acoustics and joined the Juanes lab in 2015 to study fish sounds at the Bowie Seamount Marine Protected Area. Her research has focused on describing new fish sounds to contribute to a global inventory of soniferous fish species. She has confirmed sound production for sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria), Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida), and walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus). Her current projects include the FishSounds website (https://fishsounds.net/) and NPRB-funded “Passive Acoustic Monitoring of Arctic cod: seasonality and demography of their sound production”.
Juanes Lab collaborators
Bill Halliday - Associate Conservation Scientist, Wildlife Conservation Society Canada
I work with Wildlife Conservation Society Canada to study underwater acoustics of marine mammals in the western Canadian Arctic, and examine the impacts of climate change on the acoustic environment for these mammals. The main species that I study are bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus), beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus), and ringed seals (Pusa hispida). The two main impacts of climate change are the direct loss of sea ice, which generally makes the environment louder, and the indirect effect of increased shipping, which similarly increases noise levels. Visit his website here
I work with Wildlife Conservation Society Canada to study underwater acoustics of marine mammals in the western Canadian Arctic, and examine the impacts of climate change on the acoustic environment for these mammals. The main species that I study are bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus), beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus), and ringed seals (Pusa hispida). The two main impacts of climate change are the direct loss of sea ice, which generally makes the environment louder, and the indirect effect of increased shipping, which similarly increases noise levels. Visit his website here
Matt Pine - Visiting Professor
I have a BSc in Biological Sciences, specializing in Marine Science and a PhD in Marine Science from the University of Auckland, New Zealand. During my PhD studies and after graduating I worked in industry as an acoustician in New Zealand before working as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Chinese Academy of Science's Institute of Hydrobiology in China. I am now a Mitacs Postdoctoral Fellow at the Juanes Lab, working closely with Jasco Applied Sciences Ltd. My research is on the distribution of fish species in the western Canadian Arctic, with a particular focus on a keystone species, the Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) using passive acoustic monitoring. Using statistical and acoustic modelling we hope to predict the potential impacts of anthropogenic noise and environmental changes on fish distributions. This work will be the first to investigate the ecoacoustics of Canadian Arctic fish and will provide essential data relevant to indigenous food security and long-term acoustic datasets needed to inform effective management. I am also currently working on projects in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.
I have a BSc in Biological Sciences, specializing in Marine Science and a PhD in Marine Science from the University of Auckland, New Zealand. During my PhD studies and after graduating I worked in industry as an acoustician in New Zealand before working as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Chinese Academy of Science's Institute of Hydrobiology in China. I am now a Mitacs Postdoctoral Fellow at the Juanes Lab, working closely with Jasco Applied Sciences Ltd. My research is on the distribution of fish species in the western Canadian Arctic, with a particular focus on a keystone species, the Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) using passive acoustic monitoring. Using statistical and acoustic modelling we hope to predict the potential impacts of anthropogenic noise and environmental changes on fish distributions. This work will be the first to investigate the ecoacoustics of Canadian Arctic fish and will provide essential data relevant to indigenous food security and long-term acoustic datasets needed to inform effective management. I am also currently working on projects in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.
Rodney Rountree - Adjunct Professor
I have worked with colleagues, fishers, and the public to promote the non-invasive use of passive acoustics to fisheries and ecology questions for over 20 years. In doing so, I have recorded soundscapes in estuaries from Florida to Maine, on the commercial fishing grounds of the Gulf of Maine, in the deep-sea off of New England, and in freshwater habitats from the Amazon, Canyons of Utah, and in rivers, lakes, and ponds throughout New England. Today I’m known as “The Fish Listener” a title I promote to emphasize the act of listening to the natural environment. To date I have published over 80 papers and my work has been chronicled in the New York Times, NPR, Discover Magazine, and on-line. I have maintained a web site on fish ecology, http://www.fishecology.org, since 1998 which is popular among both researchers and the general public. The web page archived data on the food habits of 174 species of fish and squid, based on over 123,000 stomach samples collected by the National Marine Fisheries Service between 1973 and 1990 during annual Bottom Trawl Surveys. The site also includes brief descriptions of some of my work with fish sounds (Soniferous studies), including examples of the sounds of numerous species, as well as hundreds of unknown sounds.
I have worked with colleagues, fishers, and the public to promote the non-invasive use of passive acoustics to fisheries and ecology questions for over 20 years. In doing so, I have recorded soundscapes in estuaries from Florida to Maine, on the commercial fishing grounds of the Gulf of Maine, in the deep-sea off of New England, and in freshwater habitats from the Amazon, Canyons of Utah, and in rivers, lakes, and ponds throughout New England. Today I’m known as “The Fish Listener” a title I promote to emphasize the act of listening to the natural environment. To date I have published over 80 papers and my work has been chronicled in the New York Times, NPR, Discover Magazine, and on-line. I have maintained a web site on fish ecology, http://www.fishecology.org, since 1998 which is popular among both researchers and the general public. The web page archived data on the food habits of 174 species of fish and squid, based on over 123,000 stomach samples collected by the National Marine Fisheries Service between 1973 and 1990 during annual Bottom Trawl Surveys. The site also includes brief descriptions of some of my work with fish sounds (Soniferous studies), including examples of the sounds of numerous species, as well as hundreds of unknown sounds.
Héloïse Frouin-Mouy – Bio-acoustician, JASCO Applied Sciences
I work with JASCO, a Canadian underwater consulting company, to study underwater sounds from marine mammals and anthropogenic activities. Previously, during my PhD and my post-doctoral fellowship, I studied the impact of contaminants on the immune system of several marine mammal species.
I have worked for more than 10 years on the acoustic spatial and temporal distribution of marine fauna (mainly pinniped and cetacean species) notably in the Arctic. I am collaborating with several national and international institutions to conduct sound scientific research that helps serve conservation and management. Visit her website here
I work with JASCO, a Canadian underwater consulting company, to study underwater sounds from marine mammals and anthropogenic activities. Previously, during my PhD and my post-doctoral fellowship, I studied the impact of contaminants on the immune system of several marine mammal species.
I have worked for more than 10 years on the acoustic spatial and temporal distribution of marine fauna (mainly pinniped and cetacean species) notably in the Arctic. I am collaborating with several national and international institutions to conduct sound scientific research that helps serve conservation and management. Visit her website here
Xavier Mouy - Research Acoustician - NOAA Fisheries
Xavier completed his PhD with the Juanes Lab in January 2022 and is now a research acoustician at NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center, MA, USA. Xavier continues to collaborate on acoustical studies with the Juanes Lab. He is interested in developing novel hardware and software tools to monitor marine fauna using passive acoustics. During his PhD thesis, he used simultaneous acoustic and video recordings to associate fish sounds to specific species and behaviors. The instrument he put together allowed to localize fish in three dimensions using their sounds and determine movement, calling rates, and source levels of individual fish. Check out his 3 minute thesis presentation here. Also, visit his website here.
Xavier completed his PhD with the Juanes Lab in January 2022 and is now a research acoustician at NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center, MA, USA. Xavier continues to collaborate on acoustical studies with the Juanes Lab. He is interested in developing novel hardware and software tools to monitor marine fauna using passive acoustics. During his PhD thesis, he used simultaneous acoustic and video recordings to associate fish sounds to specific species and behaviors. The instrument he put together allowed to localize fish in three dimensions using their sounds and determine movement, calling rates, and source levels of individual fish. Check out his 3 minute thesis presentation here. Also, visit his website here.
Kieran Cox - Collaborator
I am a Liber Ero and NSERC Fellow at Simon Fraser University working with Dr. Isabelle Côté who collaborates with the Juanes lab on several projects. My postdoctoral research applies a three-tiered approach to integrating bioacoustics into the conservation of BC’s marine ecosystems.
The three tiers of this project, species-habitat interactions, spatial planning, and policy, are conducted in collaboration with several academic collaborators and conservation practitioners. Together we aim to identify the ecological implications of anthropogenically modified marine soundscapes and construct an evidence-based framework for mitigating the impacts of this pollutant. I am also a member of the FishSounds project. This cross-disciplinary approach combines expertise in fish ecology, bioacoustics, and data management to consolidate
fish acoustic research into a publicly available web portal. Our global inventory of research on fish sound production is searchable by taxa, sound characteristics, or reference. I can be reached through my website.
I am a Liber Ero and NSERC Fellow at Simon Fraser University working with Dr. Isabelle Côté who collaborates with the Juanes lab on several projects. My postdoctoral research applies a three-tiered approach to integrating bioacoustics into the conservation of BC’s marine ecosystems.
The three tiers of this project, species-habitat interactions, spatial planning, and policy, are conducted in collaboration with several academic collaborators and conservation practitioners. Together we aim to identify the ecological implications of anthropogenically modified marine soundscapes and construct an evidence-based framework for mitigating the impacts of this pollutant. I am also a member of the FishSounds project. This cross-disciplinary approach combines expertise in fish ecology, bioacoustics, and data management to consolidate
fish acoustic research into a publicly available web portal. Our global inventory of research on fish sound production is searchable by taxa, sound characteristics, or reference. I can be reached through my website.
Research Technicians
Chloe Kraemer
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Brittnie Spriel
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UVic Graduate Student Alumni
Jill Campbell - MSc Student
Marine biodiversity data are limited due to the challenging, dangerous, and time-intensive methods of collecting species diversity and abundance data. My research will determine the applicability of using tidal current as a proxy for fish biodiversity in data limited areas and establish its value as an ecological indicator for use in marine conservation efforts. Ten sites with varying current regimes in the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia will be surveyed using SCUBA and the fish community compositions will be quantified based on the abundances and biomass of fish species encountered. Environmental data, such as substrate type, temperature, salinity, and current, will also be collected. These data will be analyzed to determine if there are differences in fish community composition based on current conditions, or among the other environmental metrics collected.
Marine biodiversity data are limited due to the challenging, dangerous, and time-intensive methods of collecting species diversity and abundance data. My research will determine the applicability of using tidal current as a proxy for fish biodiversity in data limited areas and establish its value as an ecological indicator for use in marine conservation efforts. Ten sites with varying current regimes in the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia will be surveyed using SCUBA and the fish community compositions will be quantified based on the abundances and biomass of fish species encountered. Environmental data, such as substrate type, temperature, salinity, and current, will also be collected. These data will be analyzed to determine if there are differences in fish community composition based on current conditions, or among the other environmental metrics collected.
Rob Bourdon - MSc Student
Rob is an MSc student co-advised by Francis Juanes and Sarah Dudas. Along with fellow MSc student Brenna, he investigates the effects of shellfish aquaculture on fish communities in the Baynes Sound region of Vancouver Island. Baynes Sound is one of the most intensely farmed regions of British Columbia, and the industry is growing. However, little is known about how shellfish farming may be affecting fish populations, diversity, or recruitment.
Rob is an MSc student co-advised by Francis Juanes and Sarah Dudas. Along with fellow MSc student Brenna, he investigates the effects of shellfish aquaculture on fish communities in the Baynes Sound region of Vancouver Island. Baynes Sound is one of the most intensely farmed regions of British Columbia, and the industry is growing. However, little is known about how shellfish farming may be affecting fish populations, diversity, or recruitment.
Brenna Collicutt - MSc Student
Brenna's research focuses on ecological interactions between shellfish aquaculture and juvenile Pacific salmon in Baynes Sound, BC. Shellfish aquaculture has become a prominent feature in this area and requires modification to intertidal habitats. Because these areas are also rearing grounds for juvenile Pacific salmon, it is important to understand how this change in habitat complexity may influence these species at a critical time in their lifecycles. More specifically, Brenna will be investigating relative salmon abundance, diet composition and potential microplastic ingestion across aquaculture and comparative non-aquaculture sites.
Brenna's research focuses on ecological interactions between shellfish aquaculture and juvenile Pacific salmon in Baynes Sound, BC. Shellfish aquaculture has become a prominent feature in this area and requires modification to intertidal habitats. Because these areas are also rearing grounds for juvenile Pacific salmon, it is important to understand how this change in habitat complexity may influence these species at a critical time in their lifecycles. More specifically, Brenna will be investigating relative salmon abundance, diet composition and potential microplastic ingestion across aquaculture and comparative non-aquaculture sites.
Laura Kennedy - MSc Student
Laura is interested in the role of seagrasses in the early marine survival of juvenile salmon. She aims to quantify the effects of damage and change on seagrass ecosystem capacities by comparing prey abundance across a gradient of seagrass health. Laura will also use isotope analysis and prey gut contents to determine the relationship between juvenile salmon and prey found in seagrasses, and hopes to provide critical information pertaining to questions about early marine salmon ecology.
Laura is interested in the role of seagrasses in the early marine survival of juvenile salmon. She aims to quantify the effects of damage and change on seagrass ecosystem capacities by comparing prey abundance across a gradient of seagrass health. Laura will also use isotope analysis and prey gut contents to determine the relationship between juvenile salmon and prey found in seagrasses, and hopes to provide critical information pertaining to questions about early marine salmon ecology.
Mary Toews - MSc Student
In much of Alberta, oil and gas exploration has over time left a dense configuration of industrial linear features across the landscape. Such landscape change has the potential to alter wildlife behaviour, movement and relationships, and thus has implications for conservation and wildlife management. Mary, who is co-supervised by Francis Juanes and Cole Burton, is interested in using camera traps to explore the responses of wildlife to seismic line restoration treatments in northeastern Alberta. She plans to use camera traps and GIS analysis to explore wildlife responses such as the effect of treatments on predator-prey relationships, species relative abundance between treatments and the role of human activity in wildlife response.
In much of Alberta, oil and gas exploration has over time left a dense configuration of industrial linear features across the landscape. Such landscape change has the potential to alter wildlife behaviour, movement and relationships, and thus has implications for conservation and wildlife management. Mary, who is co-supervised by Francis Juanes and Cole Burton, is interested in using camera traps to explore the responses of wildlife to seismic line restoration treatments in northeastern Alberta. She plans to use camera traps and GIS analysis to explore wildlife responses such as the effect of treatments on predator-prey relationships, species relative abundance between treatments and the role of human activity in wildlife response.
Jessica Holden-MSc Student
Accumulations of beach-cast sea grasses, seaweeds and other matter, collectively known as wrack, play an important role within the marine-terrestrial ecotone. Jess’ current research is focused on understanding the contribution of an introduced species of red algae, Mazzaella japonica, to the spatial subsidy provided by wrack in Deep Bay, BC. Commercially harvested from beaches within this region for its carrageenan content, her research will also examine how the removal of M. japonica influences wrack characteristics and macrofauna community structure. Jess hopes this research will contribute to our understanding of how introduced macroalgae affect recipient beach communities, while also informing decision-making processes pertaining to the commercial harvesting of beach-cast seaweeds.
Accumulations of beach-cast sea grasses, seaweeds and other matter, collectively known as wrack, play an important role within the marine-terrestrial ecotone. Jess’ current research is focused on understanding the contribution of an introduced species of red algae, Mazzaella japonica, to the spatial subsidy provided by wrack in Deep Bay, BC. Commercially harvested from beaches within this region for its carrageenan content, her research will also examine how the removal of M. japonica influences wrack characteristics and macrofauna community structure. Jess hopes this research will contribute to our understanding of how introduced macroalgae affect recipient beach communities, while also informing decision-making processes pertaining to the commercial harvesting of beach-cast seaweeds.
Anne Shaffer - PhD Student
Anne's PhD work focuses on the ecosystem function of Pacific Northwest nearshore systems, the role anthropogenic forcing plays in drift cell function and restoration. Her research emphasis is on the Elwha nearshore, located on the north Central Olympic Peninsula of Washington state , which is currently undergoing a world scale restoration event due to delivery of approximately 17 mcm of sediment from the removal of two large in river dams. Dam removal began in 2011 and is scheduled to be complete in 2014. With one of the few pre-dam removal nearshore data sets, Anne's research emphasizes juvenile fish use response to nearshore ecosystem changes in Elwha estuary, shoreline, and kelp bed habitats through a ‘before after control impact’ (BACI) strategy. Anne also coordinates the Elwha Nearshore Consortium, and is the executive director of the Coastal Watershed Institute (CWI), a small science based non-profit formed in 1996. Visit her website here
Anne's PhD work focuses on the ecosystem function of Pacific Northwest nearshore systems, the role anthropogenic forcing plays in drift cell function and restoration. Her research emphasis is on the Elwha nearshore, located on the north Central Olympic Peninsula of Washington state , which is currently undergoing a world scale restoration event due to delivery of approximately 17 mcm of sediment from the removal of two large in river dams. Dam removal began in 2011 and is scheduled to be complete in 2014. With one of the few pre-dam removal nearshore data sets, Anne's research emphasizes juvenile fish use response to nearshore ecosystem changes in Elwha estuary, shoreline, and kelp bed habitats through a ‘before after control impact’ (BACI) strategy. Anne also coordinates the Elwha Nearshore Consortium, and is the executive director of the Coastal Watershed Institute (CWI), a small science based non-profit formed in 1996. Visit her website here
Angeleen Olson-MSc Student
Angeleen is a MSc student and Hakai Scholar with a background in nearshore marine ecology and conservation. Her interests include food web ecology, predator-prey dynamics, nutrient cycling, and marine spatial planning. In collaboration with the Hakai Institute, her thesis will examine habitat heterogeneity and connectivity effects of seagrass and kelp forests ecosystems on nearshore fish communities. As marine macrophyte assemblages in BC are undergoing a host of changes, from climate change to expanding sea otter ranges, Angeleen aims to understand how nearshore fish are affected by habitat changes using underwater visual surveys, experimental manipulation, and stable isotope techniques. Visit her website here.
Angeleen is a MSc student and Hakai Scholar with a background in nearshore marine ecology and conservation. Her interests include food web ecology, predator-prey dynamics, nutrient cycling, and marine spatial planning. In collaboration with the Hakai Institute, her thesis will examine habitat heterogeneity and connectivity effects of seagrass and kelp forests ecosystems on nearshore fish communities. As marine macrophyte assemblages in BC are undergoing a host of changes, from climate change to expanding sea otter ranges, Angeleen aims to understand how nearshore fish are affected by habitat changes using underwater visual surveys, experimental manipulation, and stable isotope techniques. Visit her website here.
Cameron Freshwater - PhD Student
Cam's research interests include juvenile growth, mechanisms influencing recruitment variability, interspecific interactions, and community diversity. Currently he is using otolith microstructure techniques to examine how the migration of immature sockeye salmon from southern British Columbia to the Gulf of Alaska is impacted by body size and shifting growth rates. This will provide important information regarding sockeye life history and highlight potential drivers of juvenile mortality at sea
Cam's research interests include juvenile growth, mechanisms influencing recruitment variability, interspecific interactions, and community diversity. Currently he is using otolith microstructure techniques to examine how the migration of immature sockeye salmon from southern British Columbia to the Gulf of Alaska is impacted by body size and shifting growth rates. This will provide important information regarding sockeye life history and highlight potential drivers of juvenile mortality at sea
Annika Heimrich- MSc Student
I recently conducted my master thesis at Francis Juanes lab, working with one of his Postdocs William Halliday. As my master program is originally an European Erasmus Master for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation (EMBC+) I got really lucky throughout the last two years travelling the world. I spent the first two semester at the University of Algarve in Portugal focusing on aquatic ecosystems and their dynamics, scientific diving as well as fisheries management. For the third semester I further moved to Ireland and participated in courses in underwater acoustic, GIS and ecology of marine top predators at the Institute of Technology in Galway. The last stop within my masters was at the University of Victoria, Canada which is a partner university of my study program.
I recently conducted my master thesis at Francis Juanes lab, working with one of his Postdocs William Halliday. As my master program is originally an European Erasmus Master for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation (EMBC+) I got really lucky throughout the last two years travelling the world. I spent the first two semester at the University of Algarve in Portugal focusing on aquatic ecosystems and their dynamics, scientific diving as well as fisheries management. For the third semester I further moved to Ireland and participated in courses in underwater acoustic, GIS and ecology of marine top predators at the Institute of Technology in Galway. The last stop within my masters was at the University of Victoria, Canada which is a partner university of my study program.
Amy Teffer - PhD Student
Amy’s research lies in the realm of disease ecology. She examines how individual and combined stressors affect the pathogenesis of microbes carried by adult Pacific salmon during spawning migration. Increased rates of adult salmon mortality prior to migration completion and spawning have raised concerns about the potential role of disease in this phenomenon, especially in the face of climate change and increasing demand for fisheries resources. Amy intends to characterize the mechanisms of disease development and premature mortality of wild salmon by examining pathogen expression and host responses within individuals over time. She uses molecular tools to quantify changes in host physiological status as well as microbe composition and productivity in response to thermal stress and fisheries capture and release. Visit her website here
Amy’s research lies in the realm of disease ecology. She examines how individual and combined stressors affect the pathogenesis of microbes carried by adult Pacific salmon during spawning migration. Increased rates of adult salmon mortality prior to migration completion and spawning have raised concerns about the potential role of disease in this phenomenon, especially in the face of climate change and increasing demand for fisheries resources. Amy intends to characterize the mechanisms of disease development and premature mortality of wild salmon by examining pathogen expression and host responses within individuals over time. She uses molecular tools to quantify changes in host physiological status as well as microbe composition and productivity in response to thermal stress and fisheries capture and release. Visit her website here
Mauricio Carrasquilla - PhD Student
Mangrove ecosystems are being lost at high rates across the world despite their importance as habitats for a number of marine and terrestrial organisms and the ecosystem services they provide. Historically, mangroves have been thought to support artisanal fisheries however most of the mechanisms underlying this relationship are unclear. In a lagoon system in Colombia, SA, I am studying the mangrove and fishery relationship from different perspectives such as the ecological relationships of mangroves and fish, and Traditional and Local Knowledge to determine to what extent mangroves support fisheries and are important for fishermen.
Mangrove ecosystems are being lost at high rates across the world despite their importance as habitats for a number of marine and terrestrial organisms and the ecosystem services they provide. Historically, mangroves have been thought to support artisanal fisheries however most of the mechanisms underlying this relationship are unclear. In a lagoon system in Colombia, SA, I am studying the mangrove and fishery relationship from different perspectives such as the ecological relationships of mangroves and fish, and Traditional and Local Knowledge to determine to what extent mangroves support fisheries and are important for fishermen.
Lily Campbell- MSc Student
My research focuses on the community dynamics of mudflats and sandy shores on the coast of Northern British Columbia. I will be comparing community composition of infaunal invertebrates and abiotic parameters such as sediment properties of beaches in Prince Rupert, Kitimat and Arthur Island. I will also be working to understand the relative importance of biological and abiotic factors in structuring these communities, as well as how disturbance alters the infaunal communities.
My research focuses on the community dynamics of mudflats and sandy shores on the coast of Northern British Columbia. I will be comparing community composition of infaunal invertebrates and abiotic parameters such as sediment properties of beaches in Prince Rupert, Kitimat and Arthur Island. I will also be working to understand the relative importance of biological and abiotic factors in structuring these communities, as well as how disturbance alters the infaunal communities.
Jacob Weil - MSc Student
Jacob’s research interests include food web ecology and nutrient/energy transfer as they apply to the early marine growth of juvenile Chinook salmon. Specifically, he focusses on determining the role of prey quality in the growth of juvenile salmon. His Masters research examines how the energy content of different prey varies across time and related species. His research will contribute to the growing body of knowledge regarding how bottom-up drivers affect the growth and ultimate survival of Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea.
Jacob’s research interests include food web ecology and nutrient/energy transfer as they apply to the early marine growth of juvenile Chinook salmon. Specifically, he focusses on determining the role of prey quality in the growth of juvenile salmon. His Masters research examines how the energy content of different prey varies across time and related species. His research will contribute to the growing body of knowledge regarding how bottom-up drivers affect the growth and ultimate survival of Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea.
Nick Brown - MSc Student
I grew up in St. John's, NL, surrounded by the North Atlantic Ocean—my curiosity about the marine world was driven by its frigid, mysterious waters. For my B.Sc. thesis, I studied variation in antipredator responses of orange-footed sea cucumbers (Cucumaria frondosa) living along a hydrodynamic gradient. My M.Sc. research examines habitat-selection strategies employed by care-giving plainfin midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus) along an intertidal elevation gradient. This work will help uncover how parents balance trade-offs between their own needs, and those of their offspring. Additionally, rising sea levels are threatening to erode sandy beaches faster than they can naturally migrate inland, so my research will highlight challenges that may arise as this habitat is lost.
I grew up in St. John's, NL, surrounded by the North Atlantic Ocean—my curiosity about the marine world was driven by its frigid, mysterious waters. For my B.Sc. thesis, I studied variation in antipredator responses of orange-footed sea cucumbers (Cucumaria frondosa) living along a hydrodynamic gradient. My M.Sc. research examines habitat-selection strategies employed by care-giving plainfin midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus) along an intertidal elevation gradient. This work will help uncover how parents balance trade-offs between their own needs, and those of their offspring. Additionally, rising sea levels are threatening to erode sandy beaches faster than they can naturally migrate inland, so my research will highlight challenges that may arise as this habitat is lost.
Kat Nikolich - PhD Student
Kat’s primary focus is investigating the impact of anthropogenic noise on marine animals, especially long-term exposure to boat noise from shipping, fishing, and other activities. Her previous research has focussed on characterizing the vocalizations produced by marine mammals, including harbour seals and baleen whales. Her PhD work, part of the CHONe 2 project, is co-supervised by Dr. Juanes and Dr. Corey Morris (DFO-Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre). Her research will focus on measuring the amount of anthropogenic noise experienced by commercially-important fish species in BC and Newfoundand, as well as designing experiments to actually test the effects of such noise levels on the behavioural biology of the fish. Kat is also interested in investigating the effect of boat noise on the foraging efficiency of threatened populations of killer whales in BC. She hopes that her findings will help to better manage and protect at-risk marine species, and to support sustainable use and exploration of ocean-based resources in Canada.
Kat’s primary focus is investigating the impact of anthropogenic noise on marine animals, especially long-term exposure to boat noise from shipping, fishing, and other activities. Her previous research has focussed on characterizing the vocalizations produced by marine mammals, including harbour seals and baleen whales. Her PhD work, part of the CHONe 2 project, is co-supervised by Dr. Juanes and Dr. Corey Morris (DFO-Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre). Her research will focus on measuring the amount of anthropogenic noise experienced by commercially-important fish species in BC and Newfoundand, as well as designing experiments to actually test the effects of such noise levels on the behavioural biology of the fish. Kat is also interested in investigating the effect of boat noise on the foraging efficiency of threatened populations of killer whales in BC. She hopes that her findings will help to better manage and protect at-risk marine species, and to support sustainable use and exploration of ocean-based resources in Canada.
Travis Gerwing - Postdoctoral Fellow
I am an Ecosystem Ecologist who utilizes molecular, ecological, and statistical methods to understand forces that structure our environments. I am currently working with Dr. Juanes to study intertidal ecosystems along the coast of British Columbia, Canada. We are interested in understanding the relative importance of biological (predator/prey interactions, competition, etc) and abiotic forces (wave energy, salinity, etc.) in structuring intertidal ecosystems. Using nonparametric statistical models we hope to holistically understand the forces that structure ecosystems, and how the relative importance of these forces varies over time and space. More practically, we are also monitoring infaunal communities of intertidal systems, using these indicators as an early-warning system for coastal disturbance. We hope to potentially detect disturbances (human or natural) in the infaunal community, before other species further up the food web, such as salmon or shellfish, are impacted. Visit his website here
I am an Ecosystem Ecologist who utilizes molecular, ecological, and statistical methods to understand forces that structure our environments. I am currently working with Dr. Juanes to study intertidal ecosystems along the coast of British Columbia, Canada. We are interested in understanding the relative importance of biological (predator/prey interactions, competition, etc) and abiotic forces (wave energy, salinity, etc.) in structuring intertidal ecosystems. Using nonparametric statistical models we hope to holistically understand the forces that structure ecosystems, and how the relative importance of these forces varies over time and space. More practically, we are also monitoring infaunal communities of intertidal systems, using these indicators as an early-warning system for coastal disturbance. We hope to potentially detect disturbances (human or natural) in the infaunal community, before other species further up the food web, such as salmon or shellfish, are impacted. Visit his website here
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Honours students
Madeleine Thomson (2021-2022) Shaye Tudor (2021-2022) Wesley Greentree (2020-2021) Zoe Molder (2020-2021) Megan Davies (2020-2021) Ben Fortini (2019-2020) Kennedy Bolstad (2019-2020) Madeleine Springle (2019-2020) Talen Rimmer (2018-2019) Kenzie Woods (2018-2019) Eva MacLennan (2016-2017) Chloe Slomowitz (2016-2017) Olivia McMillan (2013-2014) Nicole Soderberg (2014-2015) NSERC USRA Fellows
Wesley Greentre (Summer 2021) Ben Fortini (Summer 2020) Brian Timmer (Summer 2019) Hailey Davies (Winter 2018) Lily Campbell (Summer 2016) Kieran Cox (Winter 2015) SURA Fellows Hailey Davies (Summer 2017) |
Directed Studies Students:
Justin Gross (Spring 2021) Emma Polard (Spring 2021) Shaye Tudor (Fall 2020) Alejandro Schmill (Fall 2020) Ben Fortini (Fall 2020) Paige Hagel (Fall 2020) Emie Woodburn (Fall 2019) Courtney Evin (Fall 2019) Mica Smith (Fall 2019) Stephanie Spencer (Spring 2019) Brian Timmer (Spring 2019) Nick Bohlender (Spring 2019) Jeanine Sinclair (Spring 2018) Kai Mountford (Spring 2018) Fabrizio Abate (Spring 2018) Niallan O'Brien (Fall 2017) Hailey Shaffer (Summer 2017) Hailey Davies (Winter 2017) Quinn Lowen (Fall 2016) Rylan Command (Winter 2016) Lawrence Brennan (Winter 2016) Lily Campbell (Winter 2016) Jacob Weil (Fall 2015) Gillian-Sadlier-Brown (Fall 2014) Kendra Moore (Winter 2014) Victoria Reid (Winter 2014) Kelcy Tousignant (Winter 2014) Olivia McMillan (Fall 2012) |
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Lab assistants
Madeleine Springle (2020-present) Kelsey Dougan (2020-present) Wesley Greentree (2020-present) Nick Bohlender (2019-2020) Wendy Fleming (2018-2019) Micah Quindazzi (2018-2019) Hailey Shafer (2018-2019) Lucas Agagnier (2018-2019) Hailey Davies (Summer 2018-present) Katie Innes (Summer 2017-present) Lily Campbell (2016-2017) Jacob Weil (2015-2016) Jessica Qualley (2015-2017) |
Volunteers:
Lucas Agagnier (Spring 2018) Rehan Sayeed (Fall 2015) Rylan Command (2015-2016) Eva MacLennan (2015-2016) Sam Tait (Fall 2015) Lauren Krzus (Fall 2015) Maria Morrison (Fall 2015) Gillian-Sadlier-Brown (Fall 2015) Ashley Neiswender (Summer 2013) Stephen Trotter (2013-2014) Chorong Kim (2013 -2014) Kendra Moore (2013-2014) Jessie Bell (Fall 2013) |
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Lab Manager
Bridget Maher, 2021-present Nick Bohlender, 2020-2021 Katie Innes, 2019-2020 Jessica Qualley, 2017-2019 Visiting Scientists Sigal Balshine, 2022 Erica Staaterman, 2016 Rodney Rountree, 2016, 2017, 2019 Eva Garcia-Vazquez, 2013 Steve Insley, 2012 Visiting Graduate Students Emily Spencer (2020-2021), SFU Hamid Marvasti (2015-2016), UBC Victor Crego (2012-2013), Univ. Oviedo Past Students:
MSc: Katie (Anderson) Burchard, Study Fleet Program Specialist, NEFSC Cooperative Research Program, katie.burchard at noaa.gov Paul Clark, Biological Sciences Technician, NEFSC Milford Lab, paul.clark at noaa.gov Peter Clarke, Fisheries Biologist, NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife, peter.clarke at dep.state.nj.us Nikolai Klibansky, NRC Postdoc, NOAA-NMFS, Beaufort Lab, nikolai.klibansky at noaa.gov Gonzalo Mendez, Biological Technician, US Forest Service John Murt, Owner, North Cornish Catch: teaching sustainability in fisheries, http://www.northcornishcatch.co.uk Gabe Gries, Fish Biologist, Warmwater Project Leader, NH Fish & Game Department, gabe.gries at wildlife.nh.gov Brian Hanrahan Dave Howe, Instructional Technology Specialist, Lecturer in Department of Ecology & Evolution, Rutgers University, howe at aesop.rutgers.edu Aly McKnight, Seabird Biologist, US Fish & Wildlife Service Sarah Martinez, Researcher, MA Audubon Society, Cape Cod Paul Nitschke, Statistician, NOAA-NMFS-NEFSC, Woods Hole Lab, Population Dynamics Branch, paul.nitschke at noaa.gov Lisa Yako, Freelance writer, Co-owner of Historical Research Partners PhD: David Stormer, Postdoc, Florida International University, dstormer at fiu.edu Megan O'Connor, Postdoc, NOAA-NMFS-NEFSC, Narragansett Lab, megan.oconnor at noaa.gov Michelle Staudinger, Science Coordinator, DOI Northeast Climate Science Center, https://necsc.umass.edu/people/michelle-staudinger Rebecca Jordan, Professor, Department of Ecology, Evolution & Natural Resources, Rutgers Univ., http://www.rebeccajordan.org/ John Manderson,Research Fishery Biologist, NOAA-NMFS-NEFSC, Sandy Hook Lab, Behavioral Ecology Branch, john.manderson at noaa.gov Fred Scharf, Professor, Department of Biology & Marine Biology, Univ. N Carolina Wilmington, http://uncw.edu/bio/faculty_scharf.html Postdoctoral Fellows: Brad Blackwell, Research Wildlife Biologist, National Wildlife Research Center, http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/nwrc/scientists/blackwell.shtml Jeff Buckel, Professor, Department of Biology, NC State University, http://cmast.ncsu.edu/buckel/ Karen Kellogg, Associate Professor, Environmental Studies, Skidmore College, http://www.skidmore.edu/environmental_studies/faculty/kellogg.php Mark Tupper, Professor, University of Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain, https://u.tt/website_content_staff_profile.php?staff_key=2816 Carrie Wall, Research Scientist, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, Univ. Colorado-Boulder, carrie.bell at colorado.edu Hui-Yu Wang, Assistant Professor, National Taiwan University, Taipei, huiyuwang at ntu.edu.tw |
Work Study Students:
Chloe Kraemer (2020-2021) Erin Woodley (2019-2020) Lucas Agagnier (2018-19) Karle Zelmer (2017-18) Lili Simon (Fall 2015) Kristen Powell (Fall 2014) Victoria Reid (Fall 2013) Hutton Fellows Sophia Teghtmeyer (Summer 2021) Madeline Mittelsteadt (Summer 2019) MeiLin Precourt (Summer 2018) Amanda Noel (Summer 2014) High School Students May Constabel (Summer 2015) MITACS summer students Santiago Gonzalez Bravo (2019), Brazil Iamania Vergara Perez (2019), Mexico Jessica Borba (2016), Brazil Yovela Wang (2015), China Marcos Vinicius (2014), Brazil |
