Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of Nearshore Zooplankton Communities in the Strait of Georgia: Implications for Ecosystem Health

Although zooplankton monitoring is crucial for informed conservation, data on nearshore zooplankton ecology, despite its importance for forage fish, is lacking. This study will use ZooScan image analysis to process samples collected by the Pacific Salmon Foundation Citizen Science Oceanography program in Malaspina Strait (2015 – ongoing) and assess the seasonal dynamics of the nearshore zooplankton assemblages and their relationship to oceanographic properties. One site will then be selected for analysis of interannual variability. Finally, this project will investigate spatial differences in nearshore zooplankton assemblages, and their relationship to environmental conditions including indices of human disturbance. This study will provide new insights into nearshore zooplankton assemblage dynamics and inform drivers of prey fields for juvenile salmon and forage fish. The development of semi-automated imaging technology for use in BC will also provide accessible tools for other organizations who wish to conduct zooplankton monitoring but do not have the knowledge or capacity.

Faculty Supervisor:

Brian Hunt

Student:

Partner:

Pacific Salmon Foundation

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: