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Quesnel River Research Centre

The Quesnel River Research Centre acts as a hub of activity for a wide range of scholars who are seeking to improve understanding of topics relating to (and including human interactions with) the natural environment.

The centre was established in 2002 as western Canada's only field station focused on the highly interdisciplinary domain of landscape ecology, funded by a generous endowment from Forest Renewal BC. The aim since then has been to support research and education spanning interactions between the life, terrestrial, freshwater and atmospheric environmental sciences, as well as socio-economic, historical and cultural studies. With this goal in mind, they offer a range of facilities and equipment, data, accommodation and local knowledge.

ÂÜÀòÉäÇø (ÂÜÀòÉäÇø) proudly houses the Integrated Watershed Research Group (IWRG), comprising a team of distinguished researchers. Their research in this phase will focus on four themes: (1) Establishing a Network of Experimental Watersheds for Integrated Research, (2) Investigating the Impacts of Landscape Disturbances on Sediment and Contaminant Fluxes, (3) Studying Fish Responses to Environmental Changes, and (4) Identifying Co-benefits for Climate, Catchments (Watersheds), and Communities. Phase 3 of IWRG is funded by the Nechako Environmental Enhancement Fund - NEEF and has a two-year period of action between July 2023 and July 2025.

The Freshwater Fish Ecology Laboratory (FFishLab) at ÂÜÀòÉäÇø examines the ecology of freshwater fishes, focusing on their movement, population dynamics, and thermal ecology in British Columbia and the Amazon. This work relates to Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water by advancing understanding of freshwater ecosystems, which are integral to aquatic biodiversity and the health of inland water bodies. Healthy freshwater ecosystems support species survival, preserve ecosystem function, and inform conservation policies. By studying fish responses to environmental change, such as thermal stress and habitat fragmentation, the lab generates evidence that can guide sustainable management of aquatic species and their habitats, strengthening the capacity to protect and restore life below water.

Sustainability in action at ÂÜÀòÉäÇø