Although my career as an aquatic ecologist has almost always focused on fishes and their interactions with local environmental stressors, I never intentionally set out to study fish parasites. In fact, an interest in host-parasite interactions has grown on me (pun intended) over the years as I continue to learn more about the fascinating creatures that have adopted a parasitic lifestyle and exploit the host species I study. This increasing awareness of the subtleties and complexities of the way fish hosts are impacted by the presence of parasites has led me to conclude that these small and seemingly inconspicuous organisms must be given greater consideration in ecological, physiological and behavioural research. In this talk, I will tell the story of how parasites came to infect my brain and form a central part of my research program despite my attempts to resist. Through my experiences, I also hope to convince early career researchers that approaching research with continued curiosity and amazement at the weird and wonderful natural world around us can be both personally and scientifically rewarding.

Recent and ongoing demographic shifts in society may pose new challenges that require fisheries professionals to rethink our current recruitment and retention “business practices”. Chief among these changes is a declining workforce as “Baby Boomers” retire in coming years and an increasingly diverse constituency whose members are redefining the demand for outdoor recreation and the role of fisheries management itself. The issue of shifting societal demographics also includes fisheries scientists and challenges related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) that accompany them. Many critics of DEI initiatives often question what such initiatives have to do with fisheries management and conservation. However, recent events in society in general and our profession in particular unambiguously answer, “A lot”! For example, AFS published as series of articles in a special “Diversity and Inclusion” issue of Fisheries that highlight the importance of DEI to our profession. Documented benefits of having a diverse (i.e., representative) workforce include a greatly expanded pool from which to recruit new fishery professionals for addressing a looming recruitment dilemma. Further, diverse backgrounds and perspectives often provide better solutions when attempting to solve complex problems of natural resource stewardship. Despite these (and other) documented benefits of a diverse workforce, recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups remain a long-standing problem in fisheries. Generally, members of underrepresented groups sometimes cite feeling unwelcomed, not being included in group activities (work and social), and experiencing a lack of mentoring in the workplace as reasons for their reluctance either to join the profession or to stay after having joined. Implementing meaningful DEI practices is an effective approach for addressing the lack of diversity among fishery professionals and promoting the benefits that accompany a representative workforce.

Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in lake littoral zones is an inland water wetland type that provides numerous essential ecosystem services, such as supplying food and habitat for fauna, regulating nutrient fluxes, stabilizing sediments, and maintaining a clear water state. However, little is known on how inland SAV quantities are changing globally in response to human activities, where loss threatens the provisioning of these ecosystem services. In this study, we generate a comprehensive global synthesis of trends in SAV quantities using time series (>10 years) in lakes and identify their main drivers. Similar to other wetland types, we found that 41% of SAV times series are largely decreasing mostly due to land use change and resulting eutrophication. SAV is, however, increasing in 28% of cases, primarily since the 1980s. We show that trends and drivers of SAV quantities vary regionally, with increases in Europe explained mainly by management, decreases in Asia due to eutrophication and land use change, and variable trends in North America consistent with invasive species arrival. By providing a quantitative portrait of trends in SAV quantities worldwide, we identify knowledge gaps and future SAV research priorities. By considering the drivers of different trends, we also offer insight to future lake management related to climate, positive restoration actions, and change in community structure on SAV quantities.

The Rigler Award honours established aquatic scientists with a proven record of contribution to the field of aquatic sciences, and whose work is widely recognized for its influence and importance. I am humbled and grateful to be the 2024 recipient of this award. Gratitude, science contributions, and scientific service will be discussed. Science is a journey, and a collective pursuit. One’s creativity and opportunities are shaped by the many people we meet and engage with along the way. I am grateful to the many talented people I have had the privilege to work with and learn from. As an aquatic ecosystem scientist, I firmly believe that our science contributions are essential for establishing a sustainable future. Research from my group is most recognized for work on nitrogen biogeochemistry and coupled elemental cycles, at different scales. This includes partnerships enacting our work for informed science-based decisions. Finally, I will speak to scientific service. I genuinely love serving the collective and said yes, a lot, which has allowed me interact with many wonderful people. From organising major scientific conferences and co-creation workshops to service and leadership on many boards/committees to revitalizing my university’s field station as director among others, I have realized the privileged opportunity and responsibility to contribute to the strength and future of aquatic science.

“What do you research?” A seemingly simple question, or not. Whether you’re describing what you plan to do, what you did, or what happened, communicating your research takes thought and reflection. Students and early-career professionals are invited to a lunch-hour event where breakout groups will discuss and craft content to use or build upon to communicate their research. Breakout groups will commence by 1 pm, following time dedicated for socializing over lunch. The groups will be led by: Nathanael Bergbusch, PhD student, University of Waterloo Natalie Rideout, PhD student, University of New Brunswick Dr. Hannah Harrison, Dalhousie University Dr. Natalie Sopinka, Canadian Science Publishing -- Please note this event is limited to 55 participants.

Chair: A. St-Hilaire

Chairs : R. Islam, S. Cuerrier

Chairs: C.-A. Gillis, C. Curry, S. Denny. Note the first slot (13:30-13:45) is an introduction by M. Nevin.

Chairs : L. Weir, D. Keith

Chair: N. Bergeron

Chair: A. St-Hilaire

Chairs: C.-A. Gillis, C. Curry, S. Denny. Note discussion follows last talk.

Chair: K. Church

Note cash bar opens at 5:45.