A team of UNBC researchers have secured one of the largest competitive grants in the University’s history.
The grant of $5 million will help the team study the impacts of climate changes and human activity on salmon habitat and ecosystems in the Quesnel watershed, and support the raising of Chinook salmon from northern Fraser River stocks.
The team is led by UNBC Department of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Professor Dr. Ellen Petticrew and Quesnel River Research Centre Manager Dr. Jason Raine.
“We have a strong research team, combining backgrounds in physical, chemical and biological aspects of aquatic systems,” Petticrew said.
“While this project and funding is focused on the Quesnel watershed, we expect the findings to be applicable to other large lake systems in the Pacific Northwest which are undergoing climate change.”
The grant comes from the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund, which is co-funded by the Federal and Provincial Governments.
“This significant investment from the BCSRIF will enable UNBC researchers to delve deeper into understanding the impacts of climate change on salmon ecosystems and to develop strategies that can help preserve these species for future generations,” said UNBC President Dr. Geoff Payne.
“This project exemplifies UNBC’s commitment to inspiring discovery through research and mobilizing that knowledge so it can shape policies and practices for a sustainable future.”
The project includes construction of a new building at the Quensel River Research Centre, which will provide space for teaching, community outreach, and new laboratories.
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