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OBJECTIVES
RESEARCH
The main objective of the Research Group on Aquatic Ecosystems (GREA: Groupe de Recherche sur les Écosystèmes Aquatiques) is to study the structure and the functioning of freshwater ecosystems, from photosynthetic processes through fish community organization. The study of ecosystem structure includes the identification of biotic and abiotic as well as spatial factors that can best account for a given ecological pattern. The study of ecosystem functions aims to investigate the mechanisms behind the observed ecological patterns. GREA members are currently involved in research on the three main freshwater ecosystems found along the St. Lawrence Valley and on the Canadian Shield (Québec, Canada): lakes, streams, and the St. Lawrence River.
Research program on fluvial lakes of the St. Lawrence River
In addition to each member's individual research programs, the GREA will set up an important research program on the fluvial lakes of the St. Lawrence River. The section of the St. Lawrence River between the Great Lakes and the estuary is considered to be a very productive habitat with high species diversity. For this reason, Lake Saint-Pierre was recently classified as an Ecological Reserve of the Biosphere by UNESCO and is a RAMSAR Wetland site. Fluvial ecosystems are threatened by urban and agricultural activities as well as by the introduction of exotic species like the zebra mussel and non-indigenous fish species. Moreover, fish stocks like lake sturgeon and yellow perch are declining and are at risk of collapse in the near future. On a broader scale, ongoing climatic changes may greatly affect water levels. These phenomena are likely to have consequences not only on the functioning of fluvial ecosystems, but also on natural resources and socio-economic activities such as commercial and sport fishing, navigation, and water quality.
GREA researchers are currently setting up a research program on Lake Saint-Pierre, which is the largest of the three fluvial lakes of the St. Lawrence River. Furthermore, UQTR, in partnership with five other Québec universities involved in the study of freshwater ecosystems, was recently awarded a 3.5 million dollars grant from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation and the Québec Government to acquire a new research ship specifically designed to navigate this shallow-water portion of the St. Lawrence. The 20-m long research vessel will be equipped with the most recent scientific equipment and will allow researchers to establish a large-scale integrated research program. With this ship, sampling will be possible in shallow habitats along the shoreline, in flooded watersheds, and in the deeper zones of the main channel.
TRAINING OF HIGHLY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
Another important objective of the GREA is to support undergraduate (B.Sc.) and postgraduate (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) students as well as postdoctoral fellows by providing them with a dynamic and stimulating learning environment. For this purpose, the GREA supports and encourages exchanges between students and researchers by way of:
- Collaborative projects (intra- and inter-university);
- Weekly seminars where students and supervisors discuss their results;
- Invited lecturers;
- Presentation of research results at national and international scientific meetings.
The GREA members also aim to provide adequate financial support to their students and trainees.
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