Aquatic Biodiversity

Our research includes the study of shifting food webs and freshwater biodiversity in response to changing nutrients and climate. We are particularly interested in the current state of biodiversity along circumpolar region. Changes in food webs and fish populations are likely to have large impacts on human populations (i.e., subsistence activities, commercial and recreational fisheries). Our group is working to develop links between climate change, freshwater biodiversity, and the consequences for ecosystem services in Arctic freshwaters, thereby addressing the socio-economic impacts of a warming climate.

Stream biological communities are important indicators of ecosystem impairment. We use data from our biological monitoring efforts to document patterns in biodiversity across the State. By cataloging community assemblages we create baseline characterization of current conditions and with future monitoring will be able to detect changes to biodiversity, which is especially important in data poor, hard to reach, pristine environments.