Research in the laboratory focuses on the following general areas of fish physiology;

• The importance of endogenous (body size, exercise) and exogenous (hypoxia, temperature) factors on the physiological response to exercise in fish (mainly salmonids, sturgeon).
• The effect of temperature on the respiratory physiology of fish.
• The effect of ploidy on the physiology of fish.
• Aerobic metabolic fuel use in larval fish.
• Effectiveness of Catch and Release Angling in Atlantic salmon.
• Growth and development in fish (sturgeon, haddock)
• Physiology and Behaviour of Atlantic and Shortnose Sturgeon (in collaboration with Dr. M.K. Litvak (UNBSJ)

Brendan Galloway (Recent graduate - MSc, Feb. 2000)

Brendan Galloway's MSc research focused on the post-exercise recovery process in juvenile Atlantic salmon. In particular, Brendan compared the effects of acute versus chronic temperature changes on the post-exercise response in juvenile Atlantic salmon. Brendan is currently a PHD student at UNB.

Craig Hyndman (Recent graduate - MSc, June 2001)

Craig Hyndman's research examined the importance of cell size (triploid vs. diploid fish) on the physiological response to various stresses (e.g., exercise, temperature) in brook trout. Given that triploid fish grow quickly and are widely used in the aquaculture industry, these experiments provided baseline information about how these fish cope with typical aquaculture stressors.

John Martell (PhD student)

John's research focuses on the effects of temperature on muscle development, growth and biochemistry in haddock. His research is aimed at improving our understanding of the role of rearing temperature on muscle growth in haddock. John is co-supervised by Dr. E. Trippel (DFO) and Dr. J. Kieffer.

Susan Tyler (BSc; summer NSERC student)

To assess the effectiveness of catch and release angling, Susan Tyler has carried out laboratory work to determine the impact that air exposure has on the post-exercise recovery process in Atlantic salmon.

Andrea Wakefield (Recent graduate - MSc, Jan. 2002)

Andrea's research examined the effects of temperature and exercise on the respiratory and metabolic physiology of various strains of Atlantic salmon. We are currently comparing the physiology of different strains of salmon to determine their suitability for restocking into local rivers.

Dan Baker (MSc student)

In collaboration with Dr. M. Litvak (UNBSJ), Dan Baker and I are investigating the behavioural and physiological responses of Shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon to various levels of hypoxia. Dan plans to use both whole body (oxygen consumption) and cellular (metabolite measurements) approaches in his thesis.

Ashley Wood (BSc Honours Project; summer NSERC student)

For her honours thesis, Ashley is investigating the haematological responses of shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon to low oxygen levels. She has also worked on the effects of temperature on the post-exercise response in salmonids.

Opportunities exist in the laboratory for new graduate and honours students. Funding for the various research projects is provided by NSERC, the Sir James Dunn Wildlife Fund, and Olin Fellowships from the Atlantic Salmon Federation.