The effect of thermal stress on the physiology of juvenile bull trout

Bull trout are particularly understudied from a physiological perspective. Laboratory measurements of their thermal physiology can help identify the life stages most sensitive to projected warming. The objective of this research is to gain a mechanistic understanding of how thermal stress affects early developmental stages and to characterize transcriptional signatures using a novel approach that can be applied to wild populations. The partner organization, fRI Research, has deployed hundreds of temperature loggers throughout the bull trout’s range in Alberta. The combination of long-term temperature data with a physiological toolkit to assess thermal stress will help fRI Research determine the quantity and quality of current and forecasted habitat that meet the thermal requirements of bull trout at various life stages. This will allow the identification of “hotspots” where bull trout are most sensitive to climate warming to prioritize the protection and restoration of streams with the greatest need.

Faculty Supervisor:

Kenneth Jeffries

Student:

Partner:

fRI Research

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Manitoba

Program: