Carleton University’s Steven Cooke, associate professor of Environmental Science and Biology has received a Strategic Project Grant (SPG) from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) for more than $335,000 over three years. Cooke’s project brings together fish experts from Carleton with limnologists from the University of Toronto in Scarborough to study fish movements and habitat use in Toronto Harbour.
“It is exciting to be working in the shadow of the CN Tower as we use novel technology to track fish throughout the year,” said Cooke. “In the coming years, there will be millions of dollars invested in habitat restoration and creation in Toronto Harbour. Our work will help to ensure that such efforts have a scientific basis and are tailored to benefit a variety of important fish species.”
This important project is a partnership between academics and scientists from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as well as restoration specialists from the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). Together, they have already deployed more than 50 underwater telemetry receivers in the harbour to track fish movements 24 hours a day over the next few years – including under ice.
“The TRCA is thrilled to partner with Carleton to undertake this important work,” said Emily Morton, restoration specialist. “ This project will help ensure that our investments in restoration are productive.”
Several hundred fish will be tagged, including game fish such as largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye, as well as other species such as pumpkinseed, bullhead, yellow perch and the invasive common carp. Each fish carries a small transmitter that sends out a signal so researchers are able to track fish as they move throughout the harbour.
The project will enable researchers to identify critical habitats and study whether fish use newly created or restored habitats. This information will make future investments in habitat management more effective.
About NSERC Strategic Project Grants (SPG)
SPG help address Canada’s science and technology priorities. The primary goal of these grants is to increase research and training in targeted areas that could strongly enhance Canada’s economy, society and/or environment in the next 10 years.
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