UQTR – Canadian Chair of Aquatic Ecology
UQTR – Canadian Chair of Aquatic Ecology
| Institution: |  |
| Location: | Trois-Rivières, Québec, CANADA |
| Contact: | Pierre Magnan, Ph.D., Canadienne Chair of Aquatic Ecology |
| Laboratory name: | AQUATIC ECOLOGY LABORATORY |
| Habitat: | Freshwater |
| Water temperature: | 5° to 25° C |
| Number of REBF systems: | 19 |
| Type of rearing units: |
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| % water recycling: | 99.9% flow |
| Mandate: | Space optimising (tanks & walkway on 2 levels), design, fabrication, installation commissioning, and training |
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UQTR – Canadian Chair of Aquatic Ecology
Research involves: study of the structure and functioning of fish communities in the lakes of the Canadian Shield.
Research relevance: contribute to a better knowledge of freshwater ecosystems (the St. Lawrence, lakes and rivers) in order to better protect them.
When UNESCO included Lac Saint-Pierre in its World Network of Biosphere Reserves, it was discovered that the rich ecosystems that it is home to are severely threatened by urban and agricultural development, and by the introduction of harmful exotic species. Pierre Magnan, a professor at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, is one of the world’s greatest authorities on the study of freshwater ecosystems.
He has conducted detailed studies on the responses of fish populations to the introduction of a particular species in a specific ecosystem. He was also one of the first to try to make a large-scale assessment of the impact of forest fires and logging on fish communities in lakes in Canada’s boreal forest. In 1999, the magazine Québec Science chose one of his breakthroughs as one of the ten discoveries of the year. He demonstrated that there are two types of brook trout (speckled char) in the lakes of the Canadian Shield, one feeding on zooplankton and the other on insect larvae.
Few scientists are such masters of their field. Whether it be the dynamics of fish populations, evolution, reproductive behaviour, feeding habits, the impact of exotic species on other species, or statistical analysis, Professor Magnon studies all aspects of freshwater ecosystems, thereby establishing himself as one of the world’s leading authorities in the area.
Thanks to this great scientist’s research, we will be better able to provide effective protection for the world’s ecological jewels, such as the lakes of the Canadian Shield and the World Biosphere Reserve of Lac Saint-Pierre.