A5065370084- Environmental DNA in Biodiversity Studies
- Microbial Community Ecology and Physiology
- Identification and Quantification in Food
- Marine animal studies overview
- Protist diversity and phylogeny
- Fish Ecology and Management Studies
- Bat Biology and Ecology Studies
- Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior
- Diatoms and Algae Research
- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Underwater Acoustics Research
- Arctic and Antarctic ice dynamics
- Crustacean biology and ecology
- Marine and fisheries research
- Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology and Behavior
- Cephalopods and Marine Biology
- Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
- Parasite Biology and Host Interactions
- Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies
- Turtle Biology and Conservation
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Labor Movements and Unions
- Viral Infections and Vectors
- Astronomy and Astrophysical Research
- Coral and Marine Ecosystems Studies
World Wildlife Fund Canada
2025
University of Guelph
2019-2022
Swansea University
2018-2020
La Trobe University
2020
Cardiff University
2018
NatCen Social Research
2015
Biomonitoring programs have evolved beyond the sole use of morphological identification to determine composition invertebrate species assemblages in an array ecosystems. The application DNA metabarcoding freshwater systems for assessing benthic communities is now being employed generate biological information environmental monitoring and assessment. A possible shift from extraction net-collected bulk samples its directly water has generated considerable interest based on assumption that...
DNA-based methodology has proven to be a vital tool for ecosystem assessment and monitoring. Increasingly, high-throughput approaches such as DNA metabarcoding are being used address more complex questions, including ecological network analyses through machine learning. Despite the technological advances which allow questions posed, there remains inherent limitations in studies utilizing metabarcoding, referring environmental sample type targeted, geographical coverage lack of standardised...
Environmental DNA is increasingly being used for assessing the presence and relative abundance of fish in freshwater, but existing protocols typically rely on filtering large volumes water which not always practical. We compared effects volume, filtration type eDNA extraction procedures detection three freshwater bodies (pond, lake river) using a short fragment 12s rRNA mtDNA gene. Quantification capture efficiency after extraction, as well amplification efficiency, were evaluated by...
After the near-complete cessation of commercial whaling, ship collisions have emerged as a primary threat to large whales, but knowledge collision risk is lacking across most world’s oceans. We compiled dataset 435,000 whale locations generate global distribution models for four globally ranging species. then combined >35 billion positions from 176,000 ships produce estimate whale-ship risk. Shipping occurs 92% ranges, and <7% hotspots contain management strategies reduce collisions....
Abstract The role of river obstacles in preventing or facilitating the dispersal and establishment aquatic invasive species is controversial. Novel detection tools like environmental DNA (eDNA) can be used for monitoring (AIS) such as American signal crayfish ( Pacifastacus leniusculus ) Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis ), providing information on effect barriers their distribution. We analysed eDNA from both water surface sediment three catchments (Medway, Dee Stour; Great Britain),...
Abstract Aquatic invasive species (AIS) represent an important threat for Biodiversity and are one of the factors determining ecological integrity water bodies under Water Framework Directive. Eradication is most effective tools management but has economic trade‐offs its success needs to be carefully monitored. We assessed eradication topmouth gudgeon ( Pseudorasbora parva ), fish that poses significant risks endemic aquatic fauna, in four ponds previously treated with piscicide Rotenone...
Abstract Northern British Columbia has been identified as an important habitat for several coastal cetacean species, including humpback whales ( Megaptera novaeangliae ). This species is listed being of “Special Concern” under Canada's Species at Risk Act, partly due to data deficiencies concerning genetic population structure and demographics in Columbia. Anthropogenic activities threaten North Coast whale populations, with particular concern the impact vessel noise, entanglement, ship...
The expansion of drone-based aerial imagery has facilitated an increase in data obtained from free-ranging marine mammal populations, particular cetacean species. This non-invasive approach allows for body condition assessments, including nutritional and reproductive health. Yet, existing methods image analysis are time-consuming lack the granularity to determine early-stage pregnancies miscarriage rates. In this study, we leveraged a four-year dataset paired with known statuses (i.e.,...
For cetaceans that produce narrow-band high-frequency click trains such as the Pacific harbour porpoise ( Phocoena phocoena vomerinae ), social acoustic behavior is poorly understood. While porpoises have a reputation of being generally non-social and often solitary, few studies aimed to quantify communication for this species. In waters surrounding Port Prince Rupert in British Columbia, Canada, are seen groups where they been observed attempting mating surface-active behaviors. To assess...
ABSTRACT Environmental DNA (eDNA) analytical techniques have been developed and applied to a small subset of cetacean species worldwide. Direct or “flukeprint” eDNA sampling has previously proven as an effective approach for detecting from target including harbor porpoises ( Phocoena phocoena ), humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae killer Orcinus orca ). These common are under increasing pressure coastal anthropogenic activities throughout their respective Northeast Pacific ranges, there...
Preservation of DNA in bulk environmental samples is conventionally achieved using ethanol; however, transportation restrictions on ethanol, particularly from remote locations, are problematic, and ethanol requires a lengthy evaporation period to avoid polymerase chain reaction inhibition. We examined the efficacy an easily accessible, non-toxic, propylene glycol-based antifreeze as alternative molecular-grade for preserving macroinvertebrate bulk-benthos samples. used 2 processing methods...
Abstract Since the introduction of white‐nose syndrome ( WNS ) in North America, numerous species bat have dwindled numbers. These declines observed are often species‐specific and thus provides opportunity for a natural experiment to test shifts diet through relaxed resource partitioning communities post‐introduction . Acoustic monitoring at locations Southern Ontario pre‐ (2009–2011) post‐ (2012–2014) showed an increase activity big brown bats Eptesicus fuscus corresponding decline little...
Biomonitoring is an essential tool for assessing ecological conditions and informing management strategies. The application of DNA metabarcoding high throughput sequencing has improved data quantity resolution biomonitoring taxa such as macroinvertebrates, yet, there remains the need to optimise these methods other taxonomic groups. Diatoms have a longstanding history in freshwater bioindicators water quality status. However, multi-substrate periphyton collection, common diatom sampling...
Freshwater systems are experiencing rapid biodiversity losses resulting from high rates of habitat degradation. Ecological condition is typically determined through identifying either macroinvertebrate or diatom bioindicator assemblages and comparing them to their known tolerance stressors. These comparisons conducted at family genus levels depending on the availability taxonomic keys expertise for focal groups. The objective this study was test whether a more taxonomically comprehensive...
Abstract Environmental DNA (eDNA) has begun to show promise as a robust and reproducible tool for monitoring cetaceans in coastal offshore waters. Some limiting factors preventing the wider application of eDNA cetacean includes lack species‐specific qPCR assays limited situ validation. In this study, we determined 15 stations within hotspots Chatham Sound (British Columbia, Canada), from which collected combination visual acoustic data, low‐volume samples (equivalent ~250 mL seawater). We...
Species extinction has reached unprecedented rates globally, and can cause unexpected ecological cascades. Since Europeans arrived in Australia, many endemic mammals have declined or become extinct, but their roles outcomes of reintroduction for ecosystems are poorly understood. Using surveys novel long-term exclusion disturbance experiments, we tested how digging mammal affects predatory invertebrates. Mammal tended to decrease bare ground. Although scorpion burrow abundance increased with...
Abstract Biomonitoring programs have evolved beyond the sole use of morphological identification to determine composition invertebrate species assemblages in an array ecosystems. The application DNA metabarcoding freshwater systems for assessing benthic communities is now being employed generate biological information environmental monitoring and assessment. A possible shift from extraction net-collected bulk samples its directly water has generated considerable interest based on assumption...
There is an urgent need for rapid, standardised, accurate and accessible monitoring techniques to better detect quantify change given the increasing threat of degradation biodiversity loss in freshwater ecosystems. Community-based projects have been proven successful collection meaningful biological data from a range target species The STREAM (Sequencing Rivers Environmental Assessment Monitoring) project combines community-based with DNA metabarcoding approach assess aquatic ecosystem...
There is increasing need for biodiversity monitoring, especially in places where potential anthropogenic disturbance may significantly impact ecosystem health. We employed a combination of traditional morphological and bulk macroinvertebrate metabarcoding analyses to benthic samples collected from Toronto Harbour (Ontario, Canada) compare taxonomic functional diversity macroinvertebrates their responses environmental gradients. At the species rank, sites assessed using COI showed more...
Pacific Harbour Porpoise ( Phocoena phocoena vomerina ) occupy a large range throughout coastal waters of British Columbia. Despite their wide distribution, they remain largely data-deficient regarding abundance and population trends, as such are listed Special Concern under the Species At Risk Act. porpoises also particularly sensitive to disturbance, especially vessel-related acoustic disturbance. Large aggregations harbour porpoise have been documented in around entrance Port Prince...
Objectives Including questions about sexual health in the annual Health Survey for England (HSE) provides opportunities regular measurement of key public indicators, augmenting Britain's decennial National Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal). However, contextual methodological differences may limit comparability findings. We examine extent these between HSE 2010 Natsal-3 investigate their impact on parameter estimates. Methods Complex survey analyses data from men women (n = 2,782 3,588...
Abstract The spread of invasive, non-native species is a key threat to biodiversity. Parasites can play significant role by influencing their invasive host's survival or behaviour, which subsequently alter invasion dynamics. North American signal crayfish ( Pacifastacus leniusculus ) known carrier Aphanomyces astaci , an oomycete pathogen that the causative agent plague and fatal European species, whereas are considered be largely resistant. There some evidence, however, also succumb plague,...