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M.Sc. Research
Bycatch, or the incidental capture of non-targeted organisms, is a common occurrence in commercial fisheries. Aside from the sustainability of the targeted catch, reducing bycatch and the associated mortality is one of the most pressing conservation issues for fisheries worldwide. Bycatch mitigation efforts are mostly focused on marine systems, yet inland fisheries also documents bycatch mortality, specifically with air-breathing organisms (e.g., birds, mammals, and turtles). My research focuses on an inland hoop net fishery in southeastern Ontario, in which there is anecdotal evidence of the capture and mortality of freshwater turtles, including at-risk species. Life-history characteristics of turtles make them very susceptible to population declines and the additional adult turtle mortality from fisheries is a conservation issue. Thus my main research goal is to determine ways to mitigate or reduce freshwater turtle mortality that is associated with inland hoop net fisheries.
Specifically, I have been looking at modifying hoop nets to either restrict turtles from entering nets, to allow access to air, or to allow turtles to escape, all without affecting target fish catches. I am also using blood physiology of the turtles to determine the best method to release a captured turtle. By setting nets over the year, I will be gathering seasonality data to determine the most vulnerable time for turtles to be captured. Finally, I have been marking/recapturing painted turtles to obtain a population estimate to use towards modelling the long-term effects of fisheries related mortality on turtle populations.
My work involves collaboration with Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Commercial Fisheries Association, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. This work will hopefully contribute towards reducing the impacts of commercial fisheries on freshwater turtles, specifically at-risk turtle species.
Background
B. Sc. Honours Marine and Freshwater Biology, University of Guelph (2009)
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