A team of researchers from Trent University is conducting a study in the forests and streams of northwestern Ontario to investigate the impact of forestry practices and climate change on brook trout populations and freshwater ecosystems. The research is centered in the Walkinshaw and Wolf watersheds, located northeast of Thunder Bay, focusing on headwater streams that play a crucial role in feeding larger bodies of water in the Great Lakes region.
Led by PhD student Celeste Milli, the team is particularly interested in understanding how forest harvest and climate change are disrupting northern freshwater ecosystems. With rising water temperatures as a consequence of climate change, the effects on stream ecosystems remain uncertain. Brook trout, known for their sensitivity to temperature changes, are being studied as a key indicator of ecosystem health due to their preference for cold waters.
The research involves a mix of traditional and advanced techniques, such as electrofishing to temporarily stun fish for measurement and environmental DNA sampling to estimate populations and analyze food webs without disturbing the environment. Milli also collects samples of insects and biofilm to explore the impact of forest management practices and temperature changes on the aquatic food chain.
Supervised by Andrew Tanentzap, the Canada Research Chair in Climate Change and Northern Ecosystems, the project aims to inform forest management practices for the protection and conservation of aquatic biodiversity and freshwater health. Collaborating with the Canadian Forest Service, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources, the study builds upon previous research efforts in New Brunswick and Sault Ste. Marie.
Milli emphasized that the research findings could contribute to evidence-based policy decisions in Canada’s northern forests, ensuring the resilience of forest ecosystems and freshwater resources in the face of a changing climate. The team anticipates sharing their results with federal partners in the coming years.