Freshwater institute
Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Freshwater Institute is focused on understanding and protecting ocean and freshwater aquatic ecosystems. Learn about the different studies underway, the various technologies used, as well as the collaborative efforts our scientists use to help ensure that our aquatic ecosystems are healthy and productive.
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Transcript
Scientists at Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Freshwater Institute work to help us to better understand and protect our oceans and freshwater aquatic ecosystems, particularly those in central and arctic Canada.
Here in Winnipeg, Manitoba, our scientists and technicians study fish populations to get critical information on the species Canadians depend on for commercial, cultural and recreational purposes.
This work is carried out in the field where fish are surveyed to help estimate their populations and in the lab where experts process samples to assess population health.
We work hand-in-hand with Indigenous communities to gain greater insight into our shared waters and the species that call them home.
Through the sharing of traditional knowledge, these groups help us monitor and assess the health and abundance of culturally and spiritually significant species and areas.
Our teams also use new and innovative methods and technologies.
Tools like hydrophones and drones for tracking and monitoring aquatic species gathering first-ever evidence of ground-breaking marine mammal behaviour.
We also use the latest research techniques like eDNA - analysis of particles found in environmental samples like water or sediment - to detect aquatic invasive species and eyeball analysis to better age marine mammals.
Science teams also work to get a deeper understanding of how aquatic ecosystems are changing, particularly in the Arctic, where even small changes can have big impacts.
Coastal and offshore areas are surveyed to gain insights into the species, biodiversity, food webs and habitats.
And we detect and study the movements of aquatic animals, including unwanted invasive species that can have serious effects on our aquatic ecosystems.
The Institute is also home to a cutting-edge laboratory, internationally recognized for its gold standard aquatic animal health research practices, playing a critical role in Canada’s commitment to understand and protect our oceans and freshwater ecosystems for generations to come.
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