A team of researchers from Trent University is conducting an in-depth study in the forests and streams of northwestern Ontario to analyze the impact of forestry practices and climate change on brook trout populations and freshwater ecosystems.
The research is taking place in the Walkinshaw and Wolf watersheds, located northeast of Thunder Bay, with a specific focus on headwater streams that play a crucial role in feeding larger water bodies in the Great Lakes region.
PhD student Celeste Milli, who leads the fieldwork, highlighted the significant disruptions faced by northern freshwater ecosystems due to forest harvesting and climate change. She emphasized the potential consequences of rising water temperatures on stream ecosystems, particularly concerning the well-being of brook trout, a cold-water species highly sensitive to temperature variations.
The team is employing a variety of techniques, including electrofishing to temporarily immobilize fish for measurement, counting, and release, as well as environmental DNA sampling to estimate populations and analyze food webs without disturbing the ecosystem. Additionally, samples of insects and biofilm are being collected to gain insights into how forest management practices and temperature shifts impact the aquatic food chain.
The project, overseen by Andrew Tanentzap, Canada Research Chair in Climate Change and Northern Ecosystems, aims to collaborate with the Canadian Forest Service, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources to enhance forest management strategies for the preservation of aquatic biodiversity and freshwater health.
Through this research, the team hopes to contribute to evidence-based policy-making for Canada’s northern forests, ensuring their resilience in the face of a changing climate. Future results from the study are anticipated to be shared with federal partners in the coming years.