The Pelagic Ecosystems Laboratory

We research how changing ocean conditions impact pelagic ecosystem processes from coastal regions to the high seas. Key research areas include:

• Plankton food web dynamics (sources, pathways and transfer efficiencies) and their physical-chemical drivers;
• How plankton food webs couple with and support pelagic fish (from forage fish to salmon)
• Cross-ecosystem connectivity (land-sea; coast-offshore)

Our research employs a range of sampling tools, from field oceanography to satellite remote sensing, and analytical tools including microscopy, biogeochemistry and molecular approaches.  The oceans of British Columbia are our primary research area, although our research takes in the Polar Regions, Mediterranean and South Pacific. This research is conducted in partnership with the Hakai Institute, Pacific Salmon Foundation, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and a large number of international institutes.