The Freshwater Ecosystems Team focuses on four major projects:
- Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR) or the Canada Nature Fund Project
- The goal of this project is to identify and mitigate threats to three species-at-risk: Atlantic Salmon (Plamu), American eel (katew) and Brook Floater (jipu’ji’jey n’kata’law). This project results in a better understanding of at-risk species populations, the threats they face, and how these threats may be mitigated.
- Species at Risk Stewardship and Monitoring with Mi’kmaw Communities of Mainland Nova Scotia (AFSAR)
- The project activities include surveying target Species at Risk (SAR) populations, monitoring invasive species, monitoring predation on iBoF Atlantic Salmon smolts, developing new recovery activities, and expanding outreach and education.
- Parasite-Host Interaction in the American Eel Parasite Anguillicoloides
- This project focuses on leveraging advanced genomic techniques to study the prevalence of crassus on American Eels. Field sampling will be conducted to collect eels and intermediate host copepods from the Saint Croix and Stewiacke Rivers.
- Findings will result in the development of strategies to mitigate the parasite’s impact, aligning with economic, cultural, and environmental priorities.
- Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Fund (AERF) – Shaping the Future of Nova Scotia’s Aquatic Ecosystems Through Collaboration, Innovation and Impactful Restoration.
- This initiative strives to combine Indigenous knowledge and Western science to strengthen ecosystems and communities. This project aims to restore river health by improving fish habitat, stabilizing banks and reconnecting streams.