Rio Tinto and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) have joined forces once again to conduct crucial research on the effects of climate change on water security and freshwater fish in the Nechako Watershed. The partnership, which received a $1.75 million research funding from Rio Tinto, aims to generate regional knowledge that will contribute to the long-term sustainability of the watershed and inform global efforts for climate resilience.
Dr. Stephen Déry, an Environmental Science Professor, has been appointed as the Rio Tinto Research Chair in Climate Change and Water Security. This is a renewal of his initial Industrial Research Chair (IRC) appointment in 2019, with support from Rio Tinto and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. His research will build upon the previous IRC’s work, expanding the monitoring and modeling efforts of climate and meteorological phenomena, as well as developing forecasting systems for river water temperatures in the Nechako River.
Eduardo Martins, an Associate Professor of Ecosystem Science and Management, has been named the Rio Tinto Research Chair in Climate Change and Freshwater Fish Ecology. His research will focus on understanding the impact of water temperature variability on fish behavior and survival, caused by both natural processes and river regulation. These findings will provide valuable information for Rio Tinto’s operations in the watershed, as well as guide the release of ecological flows.
The Nechako Watershed is home to various fish species, including those that are important to the ecosystem, First Nations, and local communities. However, the observed warming trends and extreme temperature events have raised concerns about their long-term sustainability. Dr. Martins, in collaboration with Dr. Déry, will develop models to predict the effects of changing water temperatures and extreme events on fish populations in the watershed. This information will aid in critical fisheries management and conservation policies in the region.
According to Andrew Czornohalan, director of Energy & Watershed Partnerships at Rio Tinto BC Works, the partnership with UNBC will provide scientific data to inform their collaborative approach to reservoir management and improving the river. The renewed partnership will also involve active outreach and engagement with local First Nations and community groups.
In addition to the funding from Rio Tinto, UNBC will contribute approximately $1.3 million in cash and in-kind contributions over the next five years to support a team of 11 researchers, including master’s students, PhD candidates, and post-doctoral fellows. This collaboration between Rio Tinto and UNBC will not only benefit the Nechako Watershed but also contribute to global efforts in addressing the impacts of climate change on water security and freshwater fish ecology.
Original Article: https://www.mining.com/rio-tinto-unbc-to-research-water-security-fish-ecology-in-nechako-watershed/