Dr. Paul Blanchfield

Email: blanchfieldp@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Research focuses on factors that affect fish habitat quality, and the impact of habitat quality on reproductive success. Current research identifies parameters that affect habitat quality, and how fish then select among these habitats. Habitat quality is determined by measuring physical and ecological factors, as well as measuring reproductive success within different habitats. Automated acoustic telemetry is then used to identify the physical and limnological habitat requirements of freshwater fish species.

With this information, it is then possible to understand the influence of anthropogenic stressors on the environment such as freshwater aquaculture and contaminants (particularly endocrine disrupting chemicals and mercury) using whole ecosystem manipulations.