Ocean Sciences Annual Report

Ocean Sciences Annual Report 

VISION : 

TO BECOME THE 

INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR 

RESEARCH AND EDUCATION 

IN COLD OCEAN BIOSCIENCE

ANNUAL REPORT 2015-2016 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

Awards: Congratulations to Dr. Paul Snelgrove who was awarded the title of “University Research 

Professor”. This is Memorial’s most prestigious award for research excellence. In addition Dr. Richard 

Rivkin was awarded the “Ocean Carbon Chair” Professorship at Xiamen University, China. 

Congratulations: Drs. Annie Mercier and Matt Rise were promoted to full Professor this year. In 

addition to their excellence in research both have taken on important administrative duties that require 

significant effort and many hours of work. Annie is serving as Deputy Head and Undergraduate programs 

officer while Matt was appointed Chair of MUN’s Animal Care and Use Services Committee. 

Welcome: Dr. Javier Santander joined our faculty on July 1 as an Assistant Professor. He is a 

microbiologist whose research focusses on the development of vaccines to prevent the occurrence of 

diseases in aquaculture fish species. Previously he was an Assistant Professor at the University of Mayor, 

Huechuraba, Chile. 

Farewell: Dr. Don Deibel, Professor (Research) retired after a long and distinguished career focussing 

on Arctic and sub-arctic zooplankton ecology in marine ecosystems. 

Research funding: External research and development funding approximated $2.8 million of which 

approximately $710,000 came from CFI, ACOA, RDC and DFO/DFA. NSERC awards totalled $909,000 

of which $411,565 was from Discovery grants. 

These funds enabled the faculty to maintain a high level of research productivity by way of peer reviewed 

publications (53) and training of Highly Qualified Personal (HQP). Twelve 12 MSc, and six 6 PhD students 

successfully completed their degrees. In addition 3 Post-doctoral fellows, 26 PhD students and 28 MSc 

students continued to be supervised. All in all a total of 122 HQP received training in various aspects of 

ocean sciences at the OSC. 

Faculty Recruitment: We are in the process of broadening our ocean research and teaching capacity 

by recruiting three NSERC Canada Research Chairs (CRCs): a Tier 1 Biological Oceanographic Processes 

and two Tier 2 chairs, one in Marine Biogeochemistry, and the second in Marine Physiological Ecology. 

Curriculum development: By the end of the 2015-2016 academic year our Curriculum Development 

Committee, under the leadership of Dr. Annie Mercier, had prepared proposals for a Major in Ocean 

Sciences and a Major in Ocean Sciences (Environmental Systems) to be submitted for approval by senior 

administration in the fall of 2016. 

Our vision: “To become the International Centre for Research and Education in Cold Ocean Bioscience” 

Garth L. Fletcher, Head and Professor Emeritus 

“Open Sesame!” "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" 


CONTENTS 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................................................... 2 

HIGHLIGHTS ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 

DISTINGUISHED VISITORS ...................................................................................................................................................... 9 

DR. JOE BROWN GRADUATE RESEARCH AWARD IN AQUATIC ECOLOGY AND 

AQUACULTURE ............................................................................................................................................................................. 14 

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................................ 18 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2015-2016 .......................................................................................................................................... 24 

A. RESEARCH .............................................................................................................................................................................. 24 

B. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER TO INDUSTRY ...................................................................................................... 25 

C. AQUACULTURE AT OCEAN SCIENCES ............................................................................................................ 26 

D. TEACHING ............................................................................................................................................................................. 28 

E. PUBLICATION: 2015-2016 ACADEMIC YEAR ................................................................................................... 30 

F. HIGHLY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ........................................................................................................................... 38 

G. CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS, INVITED LECTURES ............................................................................... 45 

FACULTY PROFILES.................................................................................................................................................................... 58 

OCEAN SCIENCES REPORTS ................................................................................................................................................ 64 

Cold-Ocean Deep-Sea Research Facility ................................................................................................................... 64 

Dr. Joe Brown Aquatic Research Building ............................................................................................................... 66 

Engagement/Public Outreach ......................................................................................................................................... 68 

Seal Facility .............................................................................................................................................................................. 71 

Field Services Unit ................................................................................................................................................................ 72 

Safety Committee ................................................................................................................................................................. 74 

Ocean Sciences Graduate Student Association (OSGSA) ............................................................................... 75 

Visitors......................................................................................................................................................................................... 76 

Administration ........................................................................................................................................................................ 80 

Committees ............................................................................................................................................................................ 81 

Faculty ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 83 

Staff ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 85 

Student Assistants ................................................................................................................................................................. 87 


HIGHLIGHTS 

RDC announces investment in support of salmon aquaculture industry 

Researchers will use a $358,000 investment from 

the provincial government to support the growth of 

the provincial salmon aquaculture industry. The 

funding was announced Sept. 9 at the Ocean Science 

Centre in Logy Bay. 

Through the research project, alternative methods 

for sea lice removal at Atlantic Salmon aquaculture 

using sites cleaner fish, specifically cunners and 

lumpfish, which are native to the province’s coastal 

waters, will be evaluated. The total project value is $991,000, which includes a $258,000 

contribution from the Research & Development Corporation and $100,000 from the 

Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. 

This project represents an ongoing cleaner fish initiative that was spearheaded at the Ocean 

Sciences Centre with industry partner, Cold Ocean Salmon, a division of Cooke Aquaculture. 

Photo (L-R) “gene transfer team” 

Dr. Margaret Shears, Dr. Garth Fletcher, and Ms. Madonna King 

~1980 

Memorial University researcher invents 

first genetically modified animal approved 

as food in the U.S. 

The life’s work of a Memorial University of 

Newfoundland researcher has taken a long road 

from an experiment in a laboratory to kitchen 

tables in the United States. 

Dr. Garth Fletcher, head, Department of Ocean 

Sciences, along with Dr. Choy Hew, a former 

Department of Biochemistry researcher, coinvented 

the technology behind the first genetically modified animal approved as food by the U.S. 

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015. 

Research on these genetically engineered (GE) salmon, which grow twice as fast as their non-GE 

farm-raised counterparts, began in a lab at Memorial as far back as 1982. Drs. Fletcher and Hew 

formulated the idea of using gene transfer to produce strains of Atlantic salmon for aquaculture 


that could better tolerate the harsh winter conditions that prevail in Newfoundland and Labrador 

waters. 

Drs. Fletcher and Hew patented the research and, with the encouragement of the Natural Science 

and Engineering Research Council of Canada, which funded the project, began looking for a 

private sector partner to take over licensing the technology and running the test fish farms. Elliot 

Entis, an American businessman involved in the fish industry in the United States, realized the 

potential value of the gene transfer technology. 

The three, along with another colleague, became founding members of the company now known 

as AquaBounty Technologies, which began seeking FDA approval for the salmon nearly 20 years 

ago. 

International collaborative research to fine-tune fish feeds 

Researchers in the Department of Ocean Sciences are 

collaborating on a $3.8 million international partnership 

to assess the effects of various diets on fish health at a 

molecular level. 

The Biomarker Platform for Commercial Aquaculture 

Feed Development project is co-led by Dr. Matthew 

Rise, Department of Ocean Sciences and Dr. Richard 

Taylor, senior research scientist at EWOS Innovation, 

(the research and development arm of EWOS Canada) and EWOS, (a world-leading fish feed 

producer). 

Together with Dr. Chris Parrish, also with the Department of Ocean Sciences, the team will use 

genomics technologies and lipid biochemistry to fine-tune feed formulas that include non-marine 

products (such as landbased plants) for maximizing fish performance and to develop clinical feeds 

that will combat disease. 


Dr. Richard Rivkin Appointed to ICES/PICES working group 

Dr. Richard Rivkin, University Research Professor, 

Department of Ocean Sciences was appointed Chair of 

the Working Group on Climate Change and Biologically 

Driven Ocean Carbon Sequestration (WGCCBOCS) for 

the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea/ 

North Pacific Marine Science Organization (ICES/PICES) 

for a three year term affective January 2016. 

Dive safe National gathering in underwater science 

For the first time, Memorial University hosted the annual general meeting 

of the Canadian Association for Underwater Science (CAUS). Memorial 

has been a member of CAUS for 33 years. 

On Feb. 24, 2016 more than 100 divers gathered in St. John’s for a full 

day of presentations from speakers representing diving institutions 

Canada-wide. The conference is significant for divers and, unlike this 

year’s event, is rarely open to the public. 

“This symposium is an opportunity for both the occupational and 

recreational diving community to see how other Canadian diving 

institutions conduct their business and to become current on nation-wide 

best practices,” said Mark Bailey, Memorial’s diving safety officer. “This will help divers become 

more conscious of safety and keep them proficient in their field.” 

Employee Services Awards 

Dr. Chris Parrish was recognized for his 25 years of service to 

Memorial at the Annual Service Awards ceremony held on May 18 th , 

2016. 


Protecting Canada's Resources More Than $6.5 Million for Memorial University-led 

Natural Resources Research 

With a combined investment of more than $6.5 million 

from the federal and provincial governments, Memorial 

University is advancing critical research focused on 

Canada’s valuable natural resources. 

Through funding announced today, Memorial is leading a 

cross-country project aimed at improving the 

sustainability of marine resources for future generations, 

as well as a project to better understand the effects of 

climate change on Canada’s boreal forests. 

Bardish Chagger, federal minister of Small Business and Tourism, and Christopher Mitchelmore, 

provincial minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development and the minister 

responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency, made the announcement during a news 

conference on the St. John’s campus in March 2016. 

Dr. Paul Snelgrove, professor of ocean sciences and biology, Faculty of Science, is receiving $5 

million over five years through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of 

Canada’s (NSERC) Strategic Network Grants and $1 million over five years, plus access to 

specialized equipment and laboratory space, from Fisheries and Oceans Canada. He is the lead 

researcher and director of the NSERC Canadian Healthy Oceans Network (CHONe), titled 

Conservation Strategies for Canada’s Changing Oceans. 

Dr. Susan Ziegler, professor of earth sciences and Canada Research Chair in Environmental 

Science, Faculty of Science, is receiving $590,812 over three years from NSERC’s Strategic 

Partnership Grants, as well as $96,000 over three years from the provincial government’s Centre 

of Forest Science and Innovation. Her project is titled Climate Controls on Terrestrial-to-aquatic 

Biogeochemical Fluxes in Boreal Forest Watersheds. 


Dr. Don Deibel Retires After 33 Years of Service 

Dr. Don Deibel, Research Professor, Department of Ocean 

Sciences, retired on Sept 1, 2016 after 33 years of service 

to the University. Dr. Deibel started his career at the 

Ocean Sciences Centre in the 1980’s focusing his research 

on behavioural and physiological ecology of marine 

invertebrates, with applications to simulation modelling, 

global climate change, and the ecology of invasive species. 

In particular, he studied the role of zooplankton in marine 

ecosystems, including planktonic tunicates and suprabenthic 

zooplankton. 

Dr. Javier Santander Joins the Department of Ocean Sciences (DOS) 

Dr. Javier Santander joined the DOS on July 1, 2016 after accepting the 

faculty position in Aquatic Health. Before coming to the Ocean Sciences 

Centre, Dr. Santander held a position as Assistant Professor, Center for 

Genomic and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Sciences, University Mayor, 

Huechuraba, Chile and as an Adjunct Professor, Arizona State University, 

School of Life Sciences, Tempe, USA. 

Daryl Jones, Research Assistant Retires 

After 19 years of service to Memorial University, Daryl; Jones, Research 

Assistant with the Seal Facility and Aquarist with the Ocean Sciences Centre 

retired. Daryl came to the Ocean Sciences Centre in the late 1990’s after 

leaving a Laboratory Instructor position with the Department of Biology. 


DISTINGUISHED VISITORS 

Mr. Laurent Messier, Senior Program Officer, Canadian 

Foundation for Innovation (CFI) 

Mr. Messier visited the OSC on October 28 th , 2015 as part of a nationwide 

consultation with research institutions and key CFI stakeholders to assess 

potential adjustments and improvements to CFI funds and other key 

strategic issues. 

Dr. Jeremy Desai, President and CEO, APOTEX 

Dr. Desai and other management team members from APOTEX visited 

the OSC in October 2016. APOTEX is an independent Canadian 

pharmaceutical company committed to R&D, manufacturing and 

distributing of a broad range of medicines. Their interest in visiting the 

OSC facilities was to understand current research into fish health and the 

newly created Cold-Ocean Deep-Sea Research Facility (CDRF). 

Dr. Richard Marceau, Vice-President (Research) Memorial University 

Dr. Richard Marceau scheduled a visit to the Ocean Sciences on Nov 

20 th , 2016 to network with the faculty, staff and students and to learn 

more about them and how the University can support the departments’ 

research initiatives. 


Zhejiang Incoming Visit to Newfoundland and Labrador 

Six senior officials from Zhejiang fisheries organizations, 

led by the Deputy Director-General of Zhejiang 

Provincial Oceanic and Fisheries Bureau, and a Trade 

Commissioner from the Canadian Consulate General in 

Shanghai visited with representatives from the 

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador as well as 

with representatives from Memorial University to 

discuss collaborations between the regions. On Nov 

13 th , 2015 the delegation talked with OSC faculty and staff and toured the OSC research facilities. 

Vice- President Research for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council 

(NSERC) 

Dr. Beth Hamelin, VP Research for NSERC met with DR. Richard 

Marceau, VP Research at Memorial. As part of her visit, Dr. Hamelin 

expressed an interest in visiting the OSC research facilities on Jan 28 th , 

2016. 

Members of Parliament visit the Ocean Sciences Centre 

MP Nick Whelan and MP Ken Macdonald visited the OSC 

on May 24 th , 2016 in order to gain some insight into research 

initiatives at the University, particularly as it relates to 

fisheries and aquaculture. 


Professor Roland De Marco from the University of the Sunshine Coast 

On June 23 rd , 2016 Professor Roland De Marco, Deputy Vice Chancellor 

(Research and Innovation) from the University of the Sunshine Coast, 

Queensland, Australia visited the Ocean Sciences Centre in order to 

address possible future collaborations between institutions. 

Regional Development Corporation (RDC) 

of Newfoundland and Labrdor 

Mark Ploughman (RDC CEO), Andrew Simmons 

(RDC Account Manager), Muriel Attané (RDC 

Board member and Secretary General of the 

European Association of Research and Technology Organizations in Brussels) and Doug Trask 

(VP, R&D Opportunities) asked to visit the Ocean Sciences Centre on June 14 th to tour of 

research facilities in advance of planned meetings and tours with Cooke Aquaculture, the 

Provincial Government’s Centre for Aquaculture Health and Development in St. Alban’s, 

Northern Harvest Sea Farms, and Newfoundland Aqua Services. 

Norwegian Embassy Visit 

H.E. Anne Kari Hansen Ovind, Ambassador and Else 

Kveinen, Minister Counsellor/Deputy Head of Mission 

from the Royal Norwegian Embassy Ottawa visited the 

Ocean Sciences Centre on June 15 th . The main purpose of 

the visit was to familiarize with important 

institutions/organizations in St. John's from a bilateral 

perspective with a view to get ideas for a planned visit by 

their Crown Prince and Princess in November. 


NSERC, Director Energy, Environment & Resources 

Anne-Marie Thompson, Director Energy, Environment and Resources for 

the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada visit the 

Ocean Sciences Centre on July 8 th in order to understand more about our 

aquatic holding systems. 

Visitor Researcher 

Dr. Jacob Sivak, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, School of 

Optometry, University of Waterloo visited the Ocean Sciences 

Centre on August 2 nd to give a seminar and inquire about the 

possible suitability and interest in comparative studies of the eye 

for marine organisms. Dr. Sivak has manipulated the growing eye 

so that myopic or hyperopic refractive errors result and was 

interested in expanding this work to a fast growing cephalopod 

(cuttlefish or squid). 



DR. JOE BROWN GRADUATE RESEARCH AWARD IN 

AQUATIC ECOLOGY AND AQUACULTURE 

This award was established to commemorate the life and work of Dr. 

Joe Brown through initial contributions by his family, friends, colleagues 

and students. As a Professor (Research) at the Ocean Sciences Centre 

from 1984 to 2005, Joe established a unique reputation both for his 

scholarly work in the areas of behavioural ecology of fishes and coldwater 

aquaculture and for his radiant, passionate sense of humour, 

humanity and empathy, particularly concerning students. The award in support of research 

activities will normally be available annually to a full-time graduate student in the second or 

subsequent year of study in the areas of aquatic ecology or aquaculture, and is valued at a portion 

of the income from the endowment. Given on the basis of scholarly merit and quality of research, 

the award will be made by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies upon recommendation 

from the Head of the Department of Ocean Sciences. 


OTHER AWARDS 

Faculty and Staff Awards 

Dr. Chris Parrish 

Recognized for 25 years of service to Memorial University at the Annual Service Awards 

ceremony held on May 18 th , 2016. 

Dr. Richard Rivkin 

Ocean Carbon Chair Professorship, Xiamen University, China 

Chinese Academy of Science President’s International Fellowship Initiative 

Dr. Paul Snelgrove 

University Research Professor, Memorial University 2015-2020 

Student Awards 

Khalil Eslamloo (PhD Candidate) 

Awarded the Dr. Joe Brown Graduate Research Award in Aquatic Ecology and Aquaculture for 

2015-2016 

Samantha Trueman (MSc Candidate) 

Awarded the George Weston Graduate Scholarship in marine biology for the 2015-2016 

scholarship year. 

Bruno Gianasi (PhD Candidate) 

Research & Development Corporation (RDC) Ocean Industries Student Research Awards 

(OISRA) - Exploring the potential of the commercial sea cucumber 

Jonathan Bergshoeff (MSc Candidate) 


(OISRA). Developing an optimal removal program for the invasive European green crab in 

Newfoundland 

Nicola Zargarpour (MSc Candidate) 


(OISRA). Using underwater video to investigate the impact of invasive European green crab 

(Carcinus Maenas) on lobster catch, and inform mitigation strategies 

Phillip Meintzer (MSc Candidate) 


(OISRA). Improving the efficiency of cod pots for fisheries in Newfoundland and Labrador 


Nick Brown (BSc Honours) 

Recipient of the inaugural Memorial University Award for Outstanding Self-directed Learning. 

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). Undergraduate Student Research 

Award (USRA) 

Conference Awards 

Kyle Millar (MSc Candidate) 

Awarded the Best Master's talk in Ecology and Evolution at the 9 th Annual Biology Graduate 

Student Symposium. 

Sabrina Inkpen (PhD Candidate) 

Won the A. M. Fallis Award at the Canadian Society of Zoologists (CSZ) annual meeting held at 

Western University, May 8-13, 2016. This award is for the best student research given as oral 

presentation in the area of parasitism, immunity and environment. 



FINANCIAL OVERVIEW 

The Department of Ocean Sciences is a complex of buildings which are maintained by Memorial University 

(MUN) Facilities Management. The faculty and staff are supported by an annual operating budget from the 

Faculty of Science consisting of two components: a) OSC operating expenses and b) the public education 

program including the seal facility. MUN Technical Services provides technical support for scientific 

equipment. Research activities are supported by grants and contracts to faculty and staff. Research and 

development carried out at the Dr. Joe Brown Aquatic Research Building (JBARB) and the Cold-Ocean 

Deep-Sea Research Facility (CDRF) operate on a user fee, cost recovery basis. 

Funding for the fiscal year (April 1 to March 31) 2015-2016 was as follows: Details of grants 

and contracts see Table1 

Facilities Management $2,226196.74 

OSC operating (Faculty of Science) $ 3,320950.00 

Public education/seals $ 199,475.00 

Technical Services $ 51,276.00 

NSERC Strategic Grants $ 305,733.00 

NSERC Discovery Grants $ 411,565.00 

NSERC Other $ 191,897.00 

CREAIT $ 226186.42 

CFI $ 329,693.00 

Other Research Grants $ 1,270,533.00 

MUCEP/ISWEP Students $ 16,310.00 

JBARB Revenue $ 228,248.68 

CDRF Revenue $49,562.40 

Total $8,827,626.24 

Note: Clockwise Starting with Facilities Management 

Facilities Management 

OSC Operating Funds 

PEP/SEALS 

Tech Services 

NSERC Strategic 

NSERC Discovery 

NSERC Other 

CREAIT 

CFI 

Other Research Grants 

CDRF 

JBARB Revenue 

MUCEP/ISWEP Students 


FIGURE 1: RESEARCH FUNDING FISCAL YEAR 2015-2016 

$ Millions 

10 

9 

8 

7 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

0 

CDRF Revenue 

JBARB Revenue 

Other 

Alfred P Sloan 

Genome Atlantic 

AIF/ACOA 

IRIF 

CCFI 

CFI 

DFO 

Aquanet 

NSERC 

Alfred P Sloan Foundation- Census of Marine Life 

Genome Atlantic – Cod Genomics 

AIF/ACOA – Atlantic Innovation Fund/Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 

IRIF: Industrial Research & Innovation Fund – Research & Development Corp. of NL 

CCFI: Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation 

CFI: Canada Foundation for Innovation 

DFO: Dept. of Fisheries & Oceans 

Aquanet: Canadian Centre of Excellence: Administrative location & Aquaculture Research 

NSERC: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada 

JBARB: Dr. Joe Brown Aquatic Research Building (note: 2001-2003 total approx.) 

CDRF: Cold-Ocean Deep-Sea Research Facility 


Grant and Contract History 

A summary of the OSC research funding over the past 17 years is presented in Figure 1. 

The 1999-2000 fiscal year is the earliest for which we have a relatively complete picture of the 

grants and contracts received by the OSC and various faculty. Although we have not yet found 

such information for earlier years it is unlikely that external funding exceeded that of the $1.2 

million obtained during 1999-2000. 

Research and development funds for the 2000-2001 fiscal year were more than double that of 

1999-2000 and have continued to remain at or above this level to the present. This considerable 

increase in funding is largely attributable to the Aquaculture Research and Development Facility 

(renamed Dr. Joe Brown Aquatic Research Building [JBARB]). Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Kevin 

Keough, funds to construct this facility ($2.7 million) were made available from the Aquaculture 

component of the Canada-Newfoundland Economic Agreement. The building was officially 

opened in 1999, and in the year 2000 $1.2 million in funds from CFI were provided to fully equip 

the JBARB and develop a business plan that would enable the facility to operate on an effective 

cost recovery basis. The 2000-2001 year also saw the arrival of funds to establish the AquaNet 

research network with its headquarters at the OSC. 

Three major projects stand out in the OSC funding history: Halibut and cod aquaculture, cod 

genomics and construction of the Cold Ocean Deep Sea Research Facility (CDRF). 

The halibut and cod aquaculture development project, funded by AIF in partnership with industry 

and OSC faculty was carried out over a six year period (2002-2008) for a total of $5 million. This 

project resulted in the production of an elite broodstock of cod. 

The cod genomics project was funded by Genome Canada/Genome Atlantic over a four year 

period (2006-2010) for $4.3 million. The aim of this project was to identify genes that will be of 

value in selective cross breeding programs to produce rapidly growing more disease resistant 

cod for aquaculture. 

The Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI), through its Leading Edge Fund, the Research and 

Development Corporation (RDC), the Provincial Government and Memorial University have 

committed over $22.6 million over a five year period (2009-2014) for the construction of new 

deep-sea water line and fully equipped building for the study of deep-sea organisms, invasive 

species and infectious diseases of importance to both fisheries and aquaculture. This multifaceted 

construction project was completed at the end of 2015, apart from the installation of a cage filter 

in the well to prevent fish from entering the seawater intake pipe. 


Table 1: RESEARCH FUNDING 2015-2016 FISCAL YEAR 

Grants Received 

Total Administered OSC 

NSERC Discovery $ 411,565.00 

NSERC Strategic $ 305,733.00 

NSERC Other $ 191,897.00 

RDC $92,742.00 

DFO/DFA $26,250.00 

ACOA $261,526.00 

CFI $329,693.00 

Other $890,014.00 

JBARB Revenue $ 228,248.68 

CDRF Revenue $49,562.40 

Total Awards $2,787,231.08 


# of Students/Publications 

Number of HQP 

250 

200 

150 

100 

50 

0 

Figure 3: Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) 2002-2016 

160 

140 

120 

100 

80 

60 

40 

20 

0 

Figure 2 

Faculty, Graduate Students and Publications 

Combined (MSC & PhD enrolled) 

# Ph.D.enrollled 

# M.SC. enrolled 

Year vs # Degreed students 

Year vs Faculty 

Publications 

1999-2000 

2000-2001 

2001-2002 

2002-2003 

2003-2004 

2004-2005 

2005-2006 

2006-2007 

2007-2008 

2008-2009 

2009-2010 

2010-2011 

2011-2012 

2012-2013 

2013-2014 

2014-2015 

2015-2016 

Academic Year (September 1-August 31) 

Grant staff 

Student Assistants 

MUCEP/ISWAP/ 

WISE students 

Teaching 

Assistants 

Seal volunteers 

Visiting Students 

PDF 

MSc 

17 

16 

15 

14 

13 

12 

11 

10 

9 

# of Faculty 

Year 

PhD 



ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2015-2016 

A. RESEARCH 

Publications 

Research efforts of the faculty and students resulted in 64 publications, 53 in peer reviewed 

journals, 7 in book/ book chapters, and 4 in technical reports or conference proceedings. A 

summary of the number of publications appearing in peer reviewed journals over the past 17 

years is presented in Figure 2 along with the number of Ocean Sciences faculty and graduate 

students. On average the Ocean Sciences faculty has published approximately 62 publications per 

year over the past 17 years. 

Conferences 

97 presentations were given by faculty and students at Canadian and International 

conferences/workshops held in 15 countries, including Canada, USA, Scotland, Norway, Sweden, 

Italy, China, Australia, France, Portugal, Mexico, Indonesia, Belize, Hong Kong, Chile. Participation 

in such conferences helps to establish the excellence of ocean science at Memorial University. 

Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) 

Six PhD and 12 MSc students successfully completed their degrees during the 2015-2016 

academic year. In addition Ocean Sciences Faculty supervised three Post-doctoral fellows, 26 PhD 

students, and 28 MSc students. A summary of HQP trained at the OSC over the past 14 years is 

presented in Figure 3. On average the OSC contributes to the training of 140 HQP annually, 

either as students (full and part time), volunteers or laboratory research staff. 

A summary of the numbers of graduate students who graduated or were supervised by OSC 

faculty over the past 17 years is presented in Figure 2. The numbers of PhD and MSc students 

for the years 1999-2002 is unavailable at this time and therefore only the combined totals for 

these years are presented. The number of degreed students is plotted as a cumulative total from 

1999 to 2016. 

This seventeen year record indicates that the Ocean Sciences faculty supervises, on average, 58 

graduate students, 12 of whom graduate each year. 


B. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER TO INDUSTRY 

Most of the applied research and development at the OSC is conducted in both the Dr. Joe 

Brown Aquatic Research Building and the Cold-Ocean Deep-Sea Research Facility (CDRF) in 

conjunction with industry and government partners. 

• The application of using cunners and lumpfish to control sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) 

infestation of Atlantic salmon in Newfoundland. 

• Developed best practices for culturing American Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) from 

broodstock grow-out. 

• Development of best practices for Orange Footed Sea Cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) 

holding and diet. 

• Development of best practices for lobster (Homarus americanus) holding and diet 

development. 

• Developing Camelina Meal for the Aquaculture Industry. 

• Scientific Rapid Image Acquisition System (SRIAS) for Aquaculture Smart Tank Technology at 

the Joe Brown Aquaculture Research Building. 

• Development of best practices for feed testing for Aquaculture Industry. 

• Developed best practices with respect to using pop-up satellite and telemetry with Atlantic 

cod. 

• Develop best practices in terms of a biomarker platform for commercial aquaculture feed 

development. 

• Develop best practices in terms of developing biomarker technology that can be used to 

assess the potential effects of hydrocarbons on fish species that are of commercial and/or 

ecological importance to Newfoundland and Labrador. 

• Developed best practices and processes for culturing Atlantic cod from egg to adult that will 

be of benefit to the aquaculture industry. This knowledge is of paramount importance to cod 

farming industry. 

• Developed the first generation of an elite Atlantic cod broodstock in partnership with 

industry. This is the first selectively bred broodstock in North America. 

• Design of protocols for the ozone disinfection of fish eggs for eradication of vertically 

transmitted diseases. Optimization of ozonation protocols to maximize efficiency in cod. 


C. AQUACULTURE AT OCEAN SCIENCES 

Aquaculture has been an active area of research and development at the Ocean Sciences Centre 

(OSC) of Memorial University for nearly five decades. In recognition of the OSC’s role in 

establishing and growing the industry it was presented with the Founder’s award by the 

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry 

Association in 2011. 

In addition to working with the aquaculture industry, Ocean Sciences faculty train highly qualified 

personnel (HQP) many of whom enjoy careers working for the industry and/or the Provincial 

and Federal Departments of Fisheries and Aquaculture. 

Total production and value of Newfoundland aquaculture products in 2014 were 9,240 metric 

tonnes and $59 million, respectively, and this resulted in employment for approximately 1000 

people annually. 

For an overview of the history of aquaculture at Ocean Sciences, please refer to the Department 

of Ocean Sciences Annual Report 2013-2014. 

Recent Projects 

Aquaculture Feed Development 

• 2010-2015-Camelina: The Next Canadian Oilseed for Fish Feed investigated the potential 

use of camelina as a replacement for fish oil and fish meal in aquaculture feeds. Carried out 

in partnership with Minas Seed Co-operative Ltd., Atlantic Oilseeds Processing Ltd., Cooke 

Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, University of 

Saskatchewan, Genome Prairie. Funded by ACOA; Province of Nova Scotia Department of 

Fisheries and Aquaculture; Province of New Brunswick Department of Agriculture and 

Aquaculture; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Agriculture and Bioproducts Innovation 

Program. $6.1 million in funding. 

• 2014-2017 -Molecular Biomarker Platform for Commercial Aquaculture Feed Development. 

EWOS Innovation. The aim of the project assess the effects of various diets on fish health at 

a molecular level. The team will use genomics technologies and lipid biochemistry to finetune 

feed formulas that include non-marine products (such as land based plants) for 

maximizing fish performance and to develop clinical feeds that will combat disease. As the 

research and feeding trials with various diets continue at Memorial, other feeding trials in this 


project are also ongoing at EWOS Innovation in Norway. $3.8 million in funding from 

Genome Canada and Ewos Innovation. 

Cleaner Fish (Cunner & Lumpfish) 

• 2013-present - The Pest Management Regulatory Agency, Health Canada, in partnership 

with the Salmon Health Consortium, is currently working with salmon growers (Cold Ocean 

Salmon Inc.), government officials, therapeutant suppliers and researchers (JBARB staff, Mr. 

Danny Boyce, Dr. Fletcher-DOS and Dr. Keng Pee Ang) to develop the elements of an 

integrated pest management program for sea lice. The key elements of the program are 

prevention, monitoring and intervention, which parallel the designs of established integrated 

pest management programs in agriculture. 

American Oysters 

• 2013-present-Culturing American oysters. The aim of this project is to produce a genetically 

viable stock that can be cultured in Newfoundland. Carried out in collaboration with the 

Marine Institute, Badger Bay Mussel Farms Ltd., and Merasheen Oyster Farms Inc. Funded by 

National Research Council (NRC)-IRAP and CCFI $138,000 in funding. 

Sea Cucumber 

• 2015-2018- Exploring the potential for sea cucumber aquaculture and enhanced management 

of the wild resource. The aim of this project is to conduct research in order to enhance the 

general knowledge, the sustainable management, and the marketability of the sea cucumber 

resource in NL $ 57,000 funding by the Research and Development Corporation (RDC) - 

Ocean Industries Student Research Award (Dr. Annie Mercier). 

Lobster 

• 2014-2016 Lobster Grow-Out - Use of American lobster, Homarus americanus in 

Multitrophic Aquaculture. The proposed project is a combined lab and field study investigating 

feeding, nutrient assimilation and growth rates of cage-held adult lobsters under different 

temperature and feeding regimes. Funded by NSERC and CCFI. (Dr. Iain McGaw). 


D. TEACHING 

Courses taught 2015-2016 academic year in both graduate and undergraduate programs. 

Dr. Ian Fleming 

Dr. Patrick Gagnon 

Dr. Kurt Gamperl 

Dr. Iain McGaw 

Dr. Annie Mercier 

Dr. Chris Parrish 

Dr. Matthew Rise 

Dr. Richard Rivkin 

Dr. David Schneider 

Dr. Joe Wroblewski 

OCSC 2001: Introduction to Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture 

Biology 2122- Biology of Invertebrates (5 Lectures) 

OCSC-2000: Introductory Biological Oceanography 

OCSC-7100: Biological Oceanography 

Biology 4601: Functional Biology of Fishes 

Biology/OCSC 3640: Environmental Physiology 

OCSC 2001: Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture (Co-taught) 

Biology 4910: Vertebrate Diversity Harlow field course (Co-taught) 

OCSC 1000: Exploration of the World Ocean 

OCSC 4122: Advanced Studies in Marine Animal Diversity 

OCSC 7100: Biological Oceanography (Lecture) 

Chemistry 2610/OCSC 2100- Chemical Oceanography 

Biology 4211: Biochemical Research Techniques II (Guest Lecture) 

Environmental Science 6003: Applied Ecology(Guest Lecture) 

OCSC 7100: Biological Oceanography (Guest Lecture) 

Biology 4251: Genomics (Co-taught) 

Biology 7938: Genomics (Co-taught) 

OCSC 3002: Aquaculture and Fisheries Biotechnology 

OCSC 7100: Biological Oceanography (Guest Lecture) 

Biology 4605: Quantitative Methods in Biology 

Biology 7220: Advanced Quantitative in Biology 

Biology 7932: Advanced Quantitative Methods in Biology 

Biology 4750: Fisheries Ecology (Undergraduate) 

OCSC 7400: Fisheries Resource Management (Graduate) 

Environmental Science: 6010 Environmental Science Seminar 


Photo Credit: Anne Provencher St-Pierre winner of the OSGSA logo competition 


E. PUBLICATION: 2015-2016 ACADEMIC YEAR 

Refereed Journals 

Adams, B.K.; Cote, D.; Fleming, I.A. 2016. Stochastic life history modelling for managing 

regional-scale freshwater fisheries: an experimental study of brook trout. Ecological Applications 

26: 899-912 (doi: 10.1890/14-2379). 

Almarza, O.; Valderrama, K.; Ayala, M.; Segovia, C.; Santander, J. (2016) A Functional Ferric 

Uptake Regulator (Fur) in the Fish Pathogen Piscirickettsia salmonis. Int. Microbiology 19:49-55. 

Alzaid, A.; Hori, T.S.; Rise, M.L.; Hall, J.R.; Gamperl, A.K. (2015). Cold-induced changes in 

stress hormone and steroidogenic transcript levels in cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus), a fish 

capable of metabolic depression. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 224: 126 – 135. 

Ayre, D. C. Elstner, M.; Smith, N.C.; Moores, E.S.; A.M.; Christian, S.L. (2015). Dynamic 

regulation of CD24 expression and release of CD24-containing microvesicles in immature B cells 

in response to CD24 engagement. Immunology 146, 217–233. 

Baillon S.; English, M.; Hamel, J.-F.; Mercier, A. (2016). Comparative biometry and isotopy of 

three dominant pennatulacean corals in the Northwest Atlantic. Acta Zoologica, 97(4): 475-493. 

Belley, R.; Snelgrove, P.V.R.; Archambault, P.; Juniper, S.K. (2016) Environmental drivers of 

benthic fluxes variation and ecosystem functioning in Salish Sea and Northeast Pacific sediments. 

PLoS One DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0151110. 

Bowlby, H.D.; Fleming, I.A.; Gibson, A.J.F.; O’Reilly, P.T. (2016). Applying landscape genetics to 

evaluate threats affecting endangered Atlantic salmon populations. Conservation Genetics (doi: 

10.1007/s10592-016-0824-7). 

Brown, T.D.; Hori, T.S.; Xue, X.; Ye, C.L.; Anderson, D.M.; Rise ML. (2016). Functional genomic 

analysis of the impact of camelina (Camelina sativa) meal on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) distal 

intestine gene expression and physiology. Marine Biotechnology 18(3), 418-435. 

Camarillo-Sepulveda, N.; Hamoutene, D.; Lush, L.; Burt, K.; Volkoff, H.; Fleming, I.A. (2016). 

Sperm traits in farm and wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Journal of Fish Biology 88: 709-717 

(doi:10.1111/jfb.12801). 


Connelly, T.L.; Businski, T.N.; Deibel, D.; Parrish, C.C.; Trela, P. (2016). Annual cycle of 

lipid content and lipid class composition in zooplankton from the Beaufort Sea shelf, Canadian 

Arctic. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 73: 747-758. 

Connelly, T.L.; Businski, T.N.; Deibel, D.; Parrish, C.C.; Trela, P. (2016). Annual cycle and 

spatial trends in fatty acid composition of suspended particulate organic matter across the 

Beaufort Sea shelf. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 181: 170-181 

Cote, D.; Fleming, I.A.; Carr, J.W.; McCarthy, J.H. (2015). Ecological impact assessment of the 

use of European-origin Atlantic salmon in Newfoundland aquaculture facilities. Canadian Science 

Advisory Secretariat Research Document 2015/073, 28 p. 

Dempster, T.; Arechavala-Lopez, P.; Barrett, L.T.; Fleming, I.A.; Sanchez-Jerez, P.; Uglem, I. 

(2016). Recapturing escaped fish from marine aquaculture is largely unsuccessful: alternatives to 

reduce the number of escapes in the wild. Reviews in Aquaculture (doi: 10.1111/raq.12153). 

Eslamloo, K.; Xue, X.; Booman, M.; Smith, N.C.; Rise, M.L. (2016). Transcriptome profiling 

of the antiviral immune response in Atlantic cod macrophages. Developmental and Comparative 

Immunology 63, 187-205. 

Frey, D.; Gagnon, P. (2016). Spatial dynamics of the green sea urchin Strongylocentrotus 

droebachiensis in food-depleted habitats. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 555:223-240 

George, E.M.; Parrish, C.C. (2015). Invertebrate uptake of lipids in the vicinity of Atlantic salmon 

(Salmo salar) aquaculture sites in British Columbia. Aquaculture Research 46: 1044-1065. 

Gianasi B.L.; Hamel, J.-F.; Mercier. A. (2016). Experimental test of optimal holding conditions 

for live transport of temperate sea cucumbers. Fisheries Research, 174: 298-308. 

Katan, K.; Nash, G.W.; Rise, M.L.; Hall, J.A.; Fernandes, J.M.O.; Boyce, D.; Johnsen, C.A.; 

Gamperl, A.K. (2016). A little goes a long way: improved growth in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) 

fed small amounts of wild zooplankton. Aquaculture. 451: 271-282. 

Leite-Castro, L.V.; Souza Jr, J.; Salmito-Vanderley, C.S.B; Nunes, J.F.; Hamel, J.-F.; Mercier, A. 

(2016). Reproductive biology of the sea cucumber Holothuria grisea in Brazil: importance of social 

and environmental factors in breeding coordination. Marine Biology, 163: 67. 

Le Quéré, C.; Buitenhuis, E. T.; Moriarty, R.; Rivkin, R. B.; 16 others. (2016). Role of 

zooplankton dynamics for Southern Ocean phytoplankton biomass and global biogeochemical 

cycles. Biogeosciences. 13:4111-4133. 


Lowen, J.B.; Deibel, D.; McKenzie, C.H.; Couturier, C.; DiBacco, C. (2016). Tolerance of early 

life-stages in Ciona intestinalis to bubble streams and suspended particles. Management of Biological 

Invasions. 7(2): 157-165 

McCain, J.S. R.; Rangeley, W.; Schneider, D.C.; Lotze, H.K. (2016). Historical abundance of 

juvenile commercial fish in coastal habitats: Implications for fish habitat management in Canada. 

Marine Policy 73:235–243..doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2016.08.009 

Martin, T.; Diaz, I.; Kilbourne, J.; Almarza, O.; Segovia, C.; Curtiss, R III.; Santander, J. 

(2016). Influence of Lipopolysaccharide Outer-Core in The Intrinsic Resistance to Antimicrobial 

Peptides and Virulence in Edwardsiella ictaluri. Microbial Pathogenesis 93:204-212 

doi:10.1016/j.micpath.2016.02.020 11. 

Matheson, K.; McKenzie, C.H.; Gregory, R.S.; Robichaud, D.; Bradbury, I.; Snelgrove, P.V.R.; 

Rose, G.A. (2016) Linking eelgrass decline and impacts on associated fish communities to 

European green crab (Linnaeus, 1758) invasion. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.538: 31-45. 

Mercier A.; Sun, Z.; Parrish, C.C.; Hamel, J.-F. (2016). Remarkable shifts in offspring 

provisioning during gestation in a live-bearing cnidarian. PLoS ONE 11(4): e0154051. 

Mercier A.; Baillon; Hamel, J.F. (2015). Life history and feeding biology of the deep-sea 

pycnogonid Nymphon hirtipes. Deep-sea Research Part I, 106: 1-8. 

Moytka, R.; Norin, T.; Petersen, L.H.; Gamperl A.K. (2016) Long-term hypoxia exposure alters 

the cardiorespiratory physiology of steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), but does not affect 

their upper thermal tolerance. J. Therm. Biol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2016.03.007 

Murray, H. M.; Hill, S. J.; Ang, K. P. (2016).The external morphology of adult female Egrasilus 

labracis as shown using hexamethyldisilazane treated, uncoated specimens for scanning electron 

microscopy. Microsc. Res. Tech. 0, 1–7. 

Nielsen, T.V.; McGaw, I.J. (2016). Behavioural thermoregulation and trade-offs in juvenile 

lobster, Homarus americanus. Biological Bulletin. 230: 35-50 

Penney, C.M.; Patton, R.L.; Whiteley, N.M.; Driedzic, W.R.; McGaw, I.J. (2016). Physiological 

responses to digestion in low salinity in the crabs Carcinus maenas and Cancer irroratus. Comparative 

Biochemistry and Physiology. 191A: 127-139 

Pink, M.; Abrahams, M.V. (2016). Temperature and its impact on predation risk within aquatic 

ecosystems. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 73: 869-876. 


Powell, M.D.; Gamperl, A.K. (2016). Effects of Loma morhua (Microsporidia) infection on the 

cardiorespiratory performance of Atlantic cod. J. Fish. Dis. 39, 189-204. 

Prince, R. C.; Nash, G. W.; Hill, S. J. (2016) The biodegradation of crude oil in the deep ocean. 

Mar. Pollut. Bull. (2016). doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.06.087 

Retamales, J.; Vasquez, I.; Santos, L.; Segovia, C.; Ayala, M.; Alvarado, R.; Nuñez, P.; Santander, 

J. (2016). Complete Sequence of Biocontroling Bacteriophages of Xanthomonas arboricola pv 

juglandis. Genome Announcements 4(3):e00336-16 

Rise, M.L.; Hall, J.R.; Nash, G.W.; Xi, X.; Booman, M.; Katan, T.; Gamperl, A.K. (2016). 

Transcriptome profiling reveals that feeding live zooplankton to larval cod (Gadus morhua) 

influences suites of genes involved in oxidation-reduction, mitosis and selenium homeostasis. BMC 

Genomics. 16:1016. DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-2120-1 

Rocha, G.S.; Parrish, C.C.; Lombardi, A.T.; Melão, M.G.G. (2016). Copper affects biochemical 

and physiological responses of Selenastrum gracile (Reinsch). Ecotoxicology published online: 20 July 

2016. 

Rojas, R.; Miranda, C.D.; Romero, J.; Asenjo, F.; Katherine, V.; Segovia, C.; Ugalde, J.A.; 

Santander, J. (2015). Genome Sequence of Vibrio VPAP30 isolated from an episode of massive 

mortality of reared larvae of scallop Argopecten purpuratus. Genome Announcements 3(4): e00745- 

15 13. 

Rojas, R.; Romero, J.; Miranda, C.; Santander, J. (2016). First report of Vibrio tubiashii associated 

to larval massive mortality a commercial in hatchery of scallop Argopecten purpuratus in Chile. 

Frontier in Microbiology 7:1473. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2016.01473 

Salvo, F.; Dufour, S.C.; Hamoutene, D.; Parrish, C.C. (2015). Lipid classes and fatty acids in 

Ophryotrocha cyclops, a dorvilleid from Newfoundland aquaculture sites. PLoS ONE 10(8): 

e0136772. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0136772 

Santander, J.; Otto, C.; Lowry, D.; Salas, C.; Cuellar, M.; Mellado, M.; Echiburu-Chau, C. 

(2015). Antibacterial mechanism of 4-hydroxy-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyl) acetophenone isolated 

from Senecio graveolens. British Microbiology Research Journal. 5(2): 94-106 

Sanchez-Jerez, P.; Karakassis, I.; Massa, F.; Fezzardi, D.; Aguilar-Manjarrez, J.; Chapela, R.; Avila, P.; 

Macias, J.C.; Tomassetti, P.; Marino, G.; Borg, J.; Franičević, V.; Yucel-Gier, G.; Fleming, I.A., Biao, 

X.; Nhhala, H.; Hamza, H.; Forcada, A.; Dempster, T. (2016). Aquaculture’s struggle for space: 

allocated zones for aquaculture (AZA) avoid conflict and promote sustainability. Aquaculture 

Environment Interactions 8: 41-54. 


Segovia C.; Vasquez, I.; Maracaja-Coutinho, V.; Robeson, J.; Santander J. (2015). Complete 

Genome Sequence of the Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis f18SE Bacteriophage Isolated in 

Chile. Genome Announcements 3(5):e00600-15 12. 

Snelgrove, P.V.R. (2016). An ocean of discovery: Biodiversity beyond the Census of Marine 

Life. Planta medica DOI 10.1055/s-0042-103934 

Stanley, R.R.E.; Peterson, E.J.; Snelgrove, P.V.R. (2016) Natal origin, ontogenetic and 

environmental variability in larval behaviour of American lobster. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 553: 125– 

146. 

Stanley, R.R.E.; Peterson, E.J.; Snelgrove, P.V.R. (2016) Natal origin, ontogenetic and 

environmental variability in larval behaviour of American lobster. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 553: 125– 

146. 

Stanley, R.R.E.; Bradbury, I.R.; DiBacco, C.; Thorrold, S.; Snelgrove, P.V.R.; Morris, C.J.; 

Gregory, R.S.; Campana, S.E. (2016) Spatial variation in otolith geochemistry of juvenile Atlantic 

cod, Gadus morhua, in coastal Newfoundland. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 10.1139/cjfas-2015-0353 

Verkaik K.; Hamel, J.-F.; Mercier, A. (2016). Carry-over effects of ocean acidification in a coldwater 

lecithotrophic holothuroid. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 557: 189-206. 

Wang, G.; McGaw, I.J. (2016). Potential use of mussel farms as multitrophic on-growth sites for 

American lobster, Homarus americanus (Milne-Edwards). Fisheries and Aquaculture Journal 7: 261- 

272. 

Wang, G.; Robertson, L.M.; Wringe B.F.; McGaw I.J. (2016). The effect of temperature on 

foraging activity and digestion in the American lobster Homarus americanus (Milne Edwards, 1837) 

(Decapoda: Nephropsidae), feeding on blue mussels Mytilus edulis (Linnaeus, 1758). Journal of 

Crustacean Biology 36: 138-146. 

Wringe, B.F.; Purchase, C.F.; Fleming, I.A. (2016). In search of a “cultured fish phenotype”: A 

systematic review, meta-analysis and vote-counting analysis. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries 

(doi: 10.1007/s11160-016-9431-4). 

Wringe, B.F.; Fleming, I.A.; Purchase, C.F. (2015). Rapid morphological divergence of cultured 

Atlantic cod of the northwest Atlantic from their source population. Aquaculture Environment 

Interactions 7: 167–177. 


Wringe, B.F.; Fleming, I.A.; Purchase, C.F. (2015). Spawning success of cultured and wild male 

Atlantic cod Gadus morhua does not differ during paired contests. Marine Ecology Progress Series 

535: 197–211. 

Book and Book Chapters 

Abrahams, M.V.; Piersiak, M. (2016) Predator Avoidance (revised). In: Encyclopedia of Life 

Sciences (ELS). John Wiley & Sons, Ltd: Chichester. 

Ingels, J.; Clark, M.R.; Vecchione, M.; Perez, J.A.; Levin, L.A.; Priede, I.G.; Sutton, T.; Rowden, A.A.; 

Smith, C.R.; Yasuhara, M.; Sweetman, A.K.; Soltwedel, T.; Santos, R.; Narayanaswamy, B.E.; Ruhl, 

H.A.; Fujikura, K.; Amaral-Zettler, L.; Jones, D.O.B.; Gates, A.R.; Snelgrove, P.; Gaever, S.V.; 

Bernal, P. (2016) Open Ocean Deep Sea. Chapter 36 in First Global Integrated Marine 

Assessment (First World Ocean Assessment), United Nations. 

Miloslavich P.; Webb, T.; Snelgrove, P.; Vanden Berghe, E.; Kaschner, K.; Halpin, P.N.; Reeves, 

R.R.; Lascelles, B.; Wanless, R.; Sato, M.; Tarzia, M.; Frere, E.; Wallace, P.B.; Dulvy, N.; 

Simpfendorfer, C.A.; Schillinger, G.; Boustany, A.; Collette, B.B.; Graves, J.E.; Obura, D.; Edwards, 

M.; Clark, M.; Stocks,K.; Morato, T.; Tunnicliffe, V.; Hopcroft, R.; Archambault, P.; Pepin, P.; 

Tunnell, J.W.; Moretzsohn, F.; Escobar-Briones, E.; Ojaveer, H.; Gobin, J.; Nakaoka, M.; Fujikura, 

K.; Yamano, H.; Li, X.; Venkataraman, K.; Raghunathan, C.; Griffiths, C.L.; Bax, N.J.; Butler, A.J.; 

Brandt, A.; Griffiths, H.J.; Rice, J. (2016) Extent of assessment of marine biological diversity. 

Chapter 35 in First Global Integrated Marine Assessment (First World Ocean Assessment), 

United Nations. 

Snelgrove, P.V.R. (2015) Marine communities. In: Encyclopedia of Life Sciences. Wiley. DOI: 

10.1002/9780470015902.a0003175.pub2 

Snelgrove, P.; Vanden Berghe, E.; Miloslavich, P.; Archambault, P.; Bailly, N.; Brandt, A.; Bucklin, 

A.; Clark, M.; Dahdouh-Guebas, F.; Danovaro, R.; Frere, E.; Halpin, P.; Hopcroft, R.; Kaschner, 

K.; Lascelles, B.; Levin, L.A.; Menden-Deuer, S.; Metaxas, A.; Obura, D.; O’Dor, R.; Reeves, R.; 

Rynearson, T.; Sato, M.; Stocks, K.; Tarzia, M.; Tittensor, D.; Tunnicliffe, V.; Wallace, B.; Wanless, 

R.; Webb, T.; Wei, C.L. (2016) Gradients in marine biodiversity. Chapter 34, First Global 

Integrated Marine Assessment (First World Ocean Assessment), UN. 

Torresen, O.K.; Rise, M.L.; Jin, X.; Star, B.; MacKenzie, S.; Jakobsen, K.S.; Nederbragt, A.J.; 

Jentoft, S. (2016). An improved version of the Atlantic cod genome and advancements in 

functional genomics: implications for the future of cod farming. In Genomics in Aquaculture (eds. S. 

MacKenzie and S. Jentoft), Academic Press (Elsevier, London, UK). pp. 45-72. 


Wroblewski, J. (2016) Marine Fishes, Nature Field Guide to Newfoundland and Labrador, Michael 

Collins, Editor. Breakwater Books, St. John’s. pp. 263-277. 

Technical Papers, Reports, Conference Proceedings, Magazines 

DFO (Fleming contributor, I.A.). (2016). Proposed use of European-strain triploid Atlantic 

salmon in marine cage aquaculture in Placentia Bay, NL. DFO Canadian Science Advisory 

Secretariat Science Response 2016/034. 

Li, H-M.; Zhang, Y.; Han, X-R.; Shi, X-Y; Rivkin, R. B.; Legendre, L. (2016). Growth responses of 

Ulva prolifera to inorganic and organic nutrients: Implications for macroalgal blooms in the 

southern Yellow Sea, China. Scientific Reports 6: doi 10.1038/srep26498. 

Stanley, R.R.; Snelgrove, P.V.R. (2016) Small but mighty and surprisingly complex: evaluating 

behavior in larval American lobster. The Lobster Newsletter 29, 17-20. 

Stanley, R., Belley, R.; Snelgrove, P.; Morris, C.; Pepin, P.; Metaxas, A. (2015) Strategies for 

Marine Protected Areas and Areas of Interest in Newfoundland and Labrador. Ecosystems 

Management Publication Series, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, NL Region. 0011: 192 p 



F. HIGHLY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL 

Post-Doctoral Fellows 

Tara Connelly (Deibel) 

Albert Caballero Solares (M. Rise) 

Stephen Mayor (D. Schneider) 

Degreed Students 

Jennifer Campbell- Biology-M.Sc. (M. Abrahams) 

The impact of turbidity on detection rates within a predator-prey system 

Brendan Wringe – Biology - PhD (I.A. Fleming/ Co supervised) 

Reproductive interactions and hybridization in cod 

Rebecca Poole - Biology - M.Sc. (I.A. Fleming/D. Reddin - DFO) 

Lacustrine and Fluvial Habitat use by Atlantic salmon parr in Labrador 

Desta Frey - Biology – M.Sc. (P. Gagnon) 

Effects of environmental variability on grazing, aggregation, and microhabitat selection in the green 

sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis 

Bruno Gianasi- DOS-Aquaculture –M.Sc. (A. Mercier) 

Fisheries and aquaculture related biometrics of the sea cucumber Cucumaria frondosa 

Katie Verkaik- DOS- Marine Biology-M.Sc. (A. Mercier) 

Impact of CO 2 -driven ocean acidification on reproduction in marine invertebrates. 

Travis Nielsen- Biology- M.Sc. (I. McGaw) 

Thermoregulatory trade-off behavior in the juvenile life stages of the American lobster, Homarus 

americanus. 

Daria Gallardi- Environmental Science- PhD (C. Parrish/ Co-supervised) 

Effects of environmental conditions on growth, health and quality of culture blue mussel (Mytilus 

edulis) with reference to culture depth and post-harvest practices 

Laura Carreon-Palau -Biology-PhD (C. Parrish) 

Organic sources of carbon and their transfer in a coral reef ecosystem 


Jennifer Hall- Biology- PhD (W. Driedzic/ M. Rise) 

Molecular mechanisms of cold acclimation in smelt 

Viviana Ramirez - Biology- M.Sc. (D Schneider) 

Development of an exclusive fishery zone on the Pacific Coast of Columbia. 

Yuir Gidge- Biology- M.Sc. (D. Schneider) 

Bio-indicators of nutrient loading at aquaculture sites in Newfoundland. 

Melanie Rossong – Biology – PhD (P. Snelgrove/P. Quijon) 

Impacts of the invasive green crab on native biodiversity in Placentia Bay 

Ryan Stanley – Biology - PhD (P. Snelgrove) 

Biophysical interactions regulating connectivity during the early life history of American lobster 

(Homarus americanus) 

Dustin Schornagel -Biology- M.Sc. (P. Snelgrove) 

Fine-scale habitat use of age 1 Gadus ogac as revealed by acoustic telemetry 

Mallory Van Wyngaarden-Biology- M.Sc. (P. Snelgrove) 

Genetic differentiation and population connectivity in Northwest Atlantic populations of the sea 

scallop, Placopecten magellanicus, using whole-genome scanning 

Emily Smits – Environmental Science- MES (J. Wroblewski). 

Bonne Bay as a candidate for a Marine Conservation Area within Gros Morne National Park. 

Anita Doody- Environmental Science- MES (J. Wroblewski). 

Provincial regulations update for nitrate and ammonia in industrial effluent discharges to a body 

of water. 

Ph.D Students 

Mike Piersiak- Biology-PhD (M. Abrahams) 

Bottom-up effects associated with sea cage aquaculture 

Nathan Wilke- Biology - PhD (I.A. Fleming) 

Conservation of endangered populations 

Heather Bowlby- Biology- PhD (I. Fleming/Co-supervised) 

Environmental influences on population dynamics and genetic structuring: understanding 

responses to anthropogenic change 


Shahinur Islam- DOS- PhD (I. Fleming) 

Post-reproductive functional & behavioral interaction of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) 

Kristin Bøe- DOS- Marine Biology PhD (I. Fleming) 

Interrelation between anadromy and iteroparity in shaping life-history: insights from Atlantic 

salmon (Salmo salar) 

David Bélanger - Biology - PhD (P. Gagnon) 

Ecological importance and vulnerability of rhodolith beds in Newfoundland and Labrador 

Anne Provencher St-Pierre - Ocean Sciences - PhD (P. Gagnon) 

Drivers of kelp-barrens community dynamics in Newfoundland and the Gulf of St. Lawrence 

Isabel Costa - Biology – PhD (K. Gamperl) 

Cardiac function and microvascular control in flatfish 

Qiwu Jiang- DOS Marine Biology PhD (I. McGaw) 

Effects of feeding states on behavioural and physiological responses to hypoxia in Atlantic rock 

crab Cancer irroratus 

Jiamin Sun- DOS- Marine Biology- PhD (A. Mercier) 

Behavioral and feeding ecology of the sea cucumber Cucumaria frondosa 

Bruno Gianasi- DOS- Marine Biology- PhD (A. Mercier) 

Exploring the potential of the sea cucumber Cucumaria frondosa as an aquaculture species 

Emy Montgomery- DOS- Marine Biology- PhD (A. Mercier) 

Comparative study of forms and functions of pelagic propagules in marine invertebrates. 

Camilla Parzanini- DOS-Marine Biology- PhD (C. Parrish/ A. Mercier) 

Food web ecology of a deep-sea environment in the North-west Atlantic Ocean: an integrated 

analysis 

Jorge Del Angel-Rodriguez – Biology-PhD (C. Parrish) 

Seasonal changes in krill lipids: implications for whales 

Ghada Antiwesh- Environmental Science- MES (C. Parrish/ J. Wroblewski). 

Biochemical signatures of ecosystem stress and resilience; nutrient cycles and lipid flow 

Tomer Katan- DOS- PhD (C. Parrish/M. Rise) 

The impact of plant-based oils and other feed ingredients on growth, tissue composition, gene 

expression, and health of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) 


Nicole Smith Biology- PhD (M. Rise) 

Mechanism of antiviral defense in teleost fish 

Khalil Eslamloo- Biology- PhD (M. Rise) 

The genetic basis of Atlantic cod and Atlantic salmon innate immune responses 

Sabrina Inkpen- Biology- PhD (M. Rise) 

Mechanisms of antiviral defense in teleost fish 

Yunyun, Fu- Environmental Science - PhD (R. Rivkin/Co-supervised) 

Gene transfer agents in Arctic bacterioplankton 

Rob Perry –Biology- PhD (D. Schneider/Co-supervisor) 

Lake Trout Behaviour and Habitat use in a High Subarctic Tundra Ecoregion 

Carley Schacter- Biology- PhD (D. Schneider) 

Migration Dynamics of Diving Seabirds: Aethia auklets in the North Pacific 

Kimberley Keats - Biology - PhD (D. Schneider) 

Nutrient regulation of heterotrophic bacterial growth and community structure in relation to 

water mass dynamics in Arctic and Subarctic waters 

Marta Miatta- Biology- PhD. (P. Snelgrove) 

Ecosystem functions and biodiversity patterns within the Laurentian Channel AOI: Regional 

comparisons and links to water column processes. 

Neus Campanyà Llovet- Biology - PhD (P. Snelgrove) 

The role of organic matter in determining deep-sea benthic biodiversity patterns 

Renald Belley – Biology-PhD (P. Snelgrove) 

Ecosystem services in deep-sea benthos 

Ecosystem services in deep-sea benthos 

M.Sc. Students 

Sylvia Fitzgibbon- Biology-M.Sc. (M. Abrahams) 

Sensory physiology and its impact on invasion dynamics 

Ainsley Latour- Biology-M.Sc. (D .Deibel) 

Molecular Divergence and Gene Flow in Cold Water Tunicates: Insights from Cytochrome 

Oxidase 1 and Microsatellite Markers 


Gavin Applin – Biology – M.Sc. (D. Deibel/M.L Rise) 

Genetics of invasive ascidians 

Phillip Meintzer- DOS- M.Sc. (B. Favaro) 

Development and assessment of potting technology for reduced-impact capture of Atlantic cod 

(Gadus morhua) 

Nicola Zargarpour- DOS- M.Sc. (B. Favaro) 

To catch a predator: Using underwater video to investigate the impact of invasive green crab 

(Carcinus maenas) on American lobster (Homarus americanus) catch efficiency 

Jonathan Bergshoeff- DOS- M.Sc. (B. Favaro) 

Using underwater video to optimize trapping of the invasive green crab (Carcinus maenas) in 

Newfoundland 

Becky Graham-Biology- M.Sc. (I. Fleming) 

Captive breeding & the Atlantic mating system 

Gwyn Mason- Biology- M.Sc (I. Fleming) 

Rapid Evolution and Local Adaptation in an Introduced Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Population: 

experimental and genetic evidence of adaptation 25 years Post-Introduction in the Rocky River, 

Newfoundland. 

Kyle Millar - Ocean Sciences - MSc (P. Gagnon) 

On the prevalence and relative importance of abiotic and biotic controls of rhodolith bed 

persistence in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

Samantha Trueman - Ocean Sciences - MSc (P. Gagnon) 

Controls of gonad yield, recruitment, and resilience in green sea urchin and dominant kelp species 

in Newfoundland. 

Sarita Pellowe- Biology- M.Sc. (K. Gamperl) 

The Effects of Temperature on Calcium Transients in the Fish Myocardium 

Christian Carnevale – Biology- M.Sc. (K. Gamperl) 

Effects of chronic hypoxia on steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) myocardial contractility 

Devyn Ramsay- Biology- M.Sc. (K. Gamperl/Co-supervised) 

Effects of Interleukin-1 βon the cardiovascular system of Steelhead Trout 


Sarah Nancollas- Ocean Sciences- M.Sc. (I. McGaw) 

Physiological responses of Carcinus maenas acclimated to a tidal emersion cycle. 

Gemma Rayner- Ocean Sciences- M.Sc. (I. McGaw) 

Interactions between green crab (Carcinus maenas) and American Lobster (Homarus americanus) 

and effects on the fishery. 

Justine Ammendolia- DOS- M.Sc. Marine Biology (A. Mercier) 

The interactive effects of hydrostatic pressure and climate change stressors on the ecological 

roles of echinoderms. 

Matthew Osse- DOS-Marine Biology –M.Sc. (A. Mercier) 

Effect of hydrocarbons on reproductive success in benthic marine invertebrates. Department of 

Ocean Sciences. 

Maryam Beheshti Foroutani- DOS- Marine Biology- M.Sc. (C. Parrish) 

Minimizing Marine Resource Utilization in Diet of Farmed Atlantic Salmon (salmo salar): Effects 

on Lipid Classes, Fatty acid Composition and Lipid Oxidation 

Jenna MacKinnon- DOS- M.Sc. (C. Parrish) 

Effects of temperature and pCO 2 on essential fatty acid and energy supply at the base of marine 

food webs 

Judy Perry- Chemistry- M.Sc. (C. Parrish/co-Supervised) 

Cholesterol and phytosterols in finfish aquaculture nutrition 

Tyler Brown- Biology- M.Sc. (M. Rise) 

Impact of plant-based diets on fish intestine transcriptome 

Larina Carroll- Biology - M.Sc. (M. Rise) 

Molecular ontogeny of heat stress response in salmon 

Lindsey Hemphill- Environmental Science- M.Sc. (R. Rivkin) 

The effects of chronic low level petroleum hydrocarbon on bacteria in Placentia and St. Mary's 

Bay Newfoundland. 

Victoria Howse- Biology- M.Sc. (P. Snelgrove) 

Assessing the efficacy of the Eastport Marine Protected Area to enhance local lobster fisheries 

as it relates to growth rate, reproductive potential, and habitat use 

Emilie Geissinger- Biology- M.Sc. (P. Snelgrove/R. Gregory) 

Effect of climate change on recruitment of coastal zone fishes 


Evelyn MacRobert- Biology- M.Sc. (P. Snelgrove/R. Gregory) 

How the distribution of predators affects habitat selection and survival of juvenile cod 

Rebecca Steinhart- Biology- M.Sc. (P. Snelgrove) 

Natural and anthropogenic drivers of sedimentary communities in the Gulf of St. Lawrence 

Gabriel Vitola- Environmental Science- MES (J. Wroblewski) 

Review of Current Technologies of produced water treatment in Newfoundland and Labrador 

offshore oil and gas production 

Visiting Students 

Vera Rullens - Visiting MSc student from Utrecht University (Netherlands) (P. 

Gagnon) 

Causes and consequences of covering behaviour in the green sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus 

droebachiensis. March 15, 2016-Sept. 30-2016 

Mr. Joseph Whitehead- Visiting MSc student from University of Manchester, England. (K. 

Gamperl) June 1-Septmeber 1, 2015. 

Undergraduate Students 

Hali Moreland - Biology - BSc Honours (P. Gagnon) 

Effect of physical interactions from a potential competitor on the feeding behavior of the common 

sea star (Asterias rubens). 

Nick Brown - Psychology - BSc Honours (P Gagnon and David Wilson) 

Antipredator escape responses of orange-footed sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) do not 

vary along a hydrodynamic gradient 

Nick Brown (B.Sc. Psychology) - NSERC USRA student (P. Gagnon and D. 

Wilson) 

Variation in antipredator response of the orange-footed sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) 

Brandon Piercey- Biology- BSc Honours (I. McGaw) 

Feeding and digestion in decapods 

Brittany Stuckless- Biology- BSc Honours (A. Mercier) 

Locomotor behaviour of sea cucumbers. 


G. CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS, INVITED LECTURES 

DR. MARK ABRAHAMS 

Canadian Council for Fisheries Research, St. John’s, NL, January 7-9, 2016 

Abrahams, M.V.; Piersiak, M.G. Sea cage aquaculture, the ecology of predictability and their 

impact on marine ecosystems. 

Fitzgibbon, S.M.; Abrahams, M.V. Who benefits when the environment changes? Analyzing the 

impact of increasing turbidity on predator-prey dynamics between two native Newfoundland 

species. 

DR. DON DEIBEL 

ICES/PICES 6 th Zooplankton Production Symposium, Bergen, Norway. May 9 th - 

13 th , 2016. 

Connelly, T.L.; Businski, T.N.; Deibel, D.; Parrish, C.C.; Trela, P. Annual cycle of lipids in 

zooplankton from the Beaufort Sea shelf, Canadian Arctic. 

Canadian Society of Zoologists, Calgary, Alberta. May 2015 

Speers-Roesch, B.; Driedzic, W.R. Mechanisms of winter dormancy in fishes: lessons about 

the roles of metabolic depression and inactivity from a temperate wrasse, the cunner 

(Tautogolabrus adspersus). 

Driedzic, W.R.; Clow, K.; Short, C. Extracellular glucose can support metabolism in Atlantic 

cod myocytes but not in heart of hypoglycemic short-horned sculpin. 

MacCormack, T.; Robinson, J.; Driedzic, W.R. Acclimation to hypercapnia alters energy 

metabolism and cardiac contractility in the Amazonian armored catfish, Pterygoplichthys 

pardalis. 

DR. IAN FLEMING 

International Statistical Ecology Conference, Seattle, USA, 28 June - 1 July, 2016 

Auger-Méthé, M.; Albertsen, C.M.; Yurkowski, D.J.; Bøe, K.; Fleming, I.A.; Mills Flemming, J. 

Diving effects on surface movement: a state-space model approach. 

Ecological and Evolutionary Ethology of Fishes, Tallahassee, USA, 14-16 June, 2016. 


Závorka, L.; Köck, B.; Cucherousset, J.; Brijs, J.; Näslund, J.; Aldvén, D.; Höjesjö, J.; Fleming, I.A.; 

Johnsson, J.I. Co-existence with non-native brook trout disrupts the pace-of-life syndrome in 

native brown trout. 

Annual meeting of the entre interuniversitaire de recherché sur le saumon 

atlantique. Quebec City, Canada, 5-6 April, 2016. 

Fleming, I.A. Rapid divergence and fine-scale location adaptation in invasive brown trout. 

Keynote, 

Distinguished alumni Lecture. Department of Biology, Simon Fraser University, 

Burnaby, Canada, 2 March, 2016 

Fleming, I.A. Rapid divergence through fine-scale local adaptation and transgenerational effects 

in salmonid fishes. Invited 

Canadian Conference for Fisheries Research, St. John’s, Canada 7-9 January, 

2016. 

Mulder, I.; Power, M.; Fleming, I.A.; Robertson, M.; Morris, C.; Dempson, B. Overwintering 

behaviour of anadromous Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) in two northern lake systems. 

Bøe, K.; Fleming, I.A.; Auger-Méthé, M.; Robertson, M.; Power, M.; Morris, C.; Dempson, B. 

Spatial extent and temperature use during the marine migration of consecutive spawning 

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). 

Mason, G. E.; Fleming, I. A.; Hamilton, L. C.; Ravindran, P. N.; Ruzzante, D. E.; Bradbury, I. R. 

Rapid evolution in an introduced Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) population in Rocky River, 

Newfoundland. 

Wringe, B.F.; Purchase, C.F.; Fleming, I.A. Across a great divide: fitness effects of hybridization 

between Newfoundland and New Brunswick Strain Atlantic cod. 

Workshop on the ecology of stream salmonids, Göteborg, Sweden 30 October, 

2016. 

Fleming, I.A. Mate competition and selection within an alternative tactic: mature Atlantic 

salmon parr. 

The Royal Academy of Agriculture and Forestry, Stockholm, Sweden, 7 October, 

2016. 


Fleming, I.A. Recovery of salmon populations: from resilience to stocking and captive 

breeding. Symposium on Salmon and salmon management – new perspectives under changed 

conditions. Keynote 

Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Göteborg, 

Sweden, 24 September, 2016 

Fleming, I.A. Rapid divergence, fine-scale local adaptation and phenontypic plasticity in the 

invasion of new environments by non-native brown trout. Invited. 

DR. PAT GAGNON 

Canadian Association for Underwater Sciences (CAUS) Annual General Meeting, 

St. John`s, Canada. January 2016. 

Gagnon, P. Scientific diving in Newfoundland and Labrador: opportunities and challenges. 

45th Annual Benthic Ecology Meeting, Portland, USA, March 16-19, 2016 

Bélanger, D.; Gagnon, P. (2016). Structural and macrofaunal stability of a northwestern Atlantic 

rhodolith bed. 

Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution Meeting, St. John's, Canada, July 7 th - 

10 th , 2016. 

Moura Neves, B.; Bélanger, D.; Gagnon, P.; Edinger, E. (2016). Towards resolving the associated 

fauna of a shallow subarctic soft coral (Cnidaria: Octocorallia). 

Brown, N.; Wilson, D.; Gagnon, P. (2016). Antipredator escape responses of orange-footed 

sea cucumbers (Cucumaria frondosa) do not vary along a hydrodynamic gradient. 

Kavanagh, A.; Gagnon, P.; Provencher St-Pierre, A. (2016). Acute temperature shifts can reduce 

feeding and physical condition in a functionally important marine consumer. 

Provencher St-Pierre, A.; Gagnon, P. (2016). Towards a multiscale approach for the study of 

alternative stable states and hysteresis in shallow kelp ecosystems. 

Bélanger, D.; Gagnon, P. (2016). Nutrient enrichment adversely affects growth in the habitatbuilding 

red coralline alga Lithothamnion glaciale. 


Millar, K.; Gagnon, P. (2016). Water flow and dominant macrofauna can limit burial of rhodolith 

(Lithothamnion glaciale) beds. 

Frey, D.; Gagnon P. (2016). Wave action and sea temperature regulate destructive grazing and 

spatial dynamics of a functionally important sea urchin. 

4th International Marine Conservation Congress, St. John's, Canada, July 31 st - 

August 3 rd , 2016 

Bélanger, D.; Gagnon, P. (2016). Too abundant to be ignored: biodiversity and mechanisms of 

stability of eastern Canadian rhodolith beds. 

11th International Temperate Reefs Symposium, Pisa, Italy, June 26 th -30 th , 2016 

Bélanger, D.; Gagnon, P. (2016). Effect of eutrophication on growth and biofouling in the 

rhodolith forming red coralline alga Lithothamnion glaciale. 

Gagnon, P.; Frey, D. (2016). Spatial dynamics of the green sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus 

droebachiensis, in food depleted habitats 

Aquaculture Canada and Cold Harvest 2016 Conference, St. John's, Canada, Sept 

18-21, 2016 

Trueman, S.; Gagnon, P. (2016). Comparative analysis of gonad production and quality in kelpfed 

green sea urchins from Newfoundland. 

California State University Moss Landing Marine Labs Fall 2015 Seminar Series, 

Moss Landing, United States. 

Gagnon, P. Importance of environmental variability to the functioning of subtidal benthic 

systems in eastern Canada. 

96th Annual Western Society of Naturalists Meeting, Sacramento, United States, 

Nov 5 th -8 th , 2015. 

Gagnon, P.; Millar, K. (2015). Mechanisms of displacement, abrasion, and overturning in 

rhodoliths from southeastern Newfoundland, Canada. 


Department of Biology of MUN Fall 2015 Seminar Series, St. John's, Canada 

Gagnon, P. (2015). From kelp to rhodoliths: vulnerability of cold-water benthic systems to 

changes in sea temperature and wave climate. 

DR. KURT GAMPERL 

Canadian Society of Zoologists Meeting, London, Ontario. May 2016. 

Gamperl, A.K.; Syme, D.A.; Carnevale, C.; Roberts, J.A.; Thomas, A.; Ramsay, D. 

Myocardial Strips are Really Interesting: Who Would Have Thought? 

Roberts, J.C.; Carnevale, C.; Ramsay, D.; Gamperl, A.K.; Syme, D.A. Effects of Hypoxia on 

Contractile Properties of the Compact and Spongy Myocardium of Steelhead Trout 

Oncorhynchus mykiss 

International Congress on the Biology of Fishes. San Marcos. Texas. June, 2016. 

Gamperl, A.K.; Petersen, L.H.; Norin, T.; Ern, R.; Motyka, R.; Esbaugh, A.J. Hypoxic Exposure 

and the Capacity to Deal with Other Physiological and Environmental Challenges. 

Carnevale, C.; Roberts, J.C.; Syme, D.A.; Gamperl, A.K. Mechanisms Responsible for Reduced 

Cardiac Function in Hypoxia-Acclimated Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). 

Aquaculture Association of Canada Meeting. St. John’s, NL. Sept. 2016. 

Gamperl, A.K.; Norin, T.; Kelly, N.I.; Corkum, C.P. The Metabolic and Environmental 

Physiology of Cleaner Fish. 

DR. IAIN MCGAW 

International Marine Conservation Congress, St John’s, Canada July 30 th -August 

3 rd , 2016. 

Nielsen T.V.; McGaw, I.J. Behavioural thermoregulation and trade-offs in juvenile lobster, 

Homarus americanus. 

Rayner G.; McGaw, I.J. Behavioural interactions between the green crab, Carcinus maenas and 

the lobster Homarus americanus. 


Nancollas S.J. and McGaw, I.J. Physiological responses of the shore crab Carcinus maenas 

acclimated to a tidal emersion cycle. 

Canadian Society of Zoologists, London, Canada, May 8-12th 

Jiang, Q.; McGaw, I.J. Effect of feeding state on physiological responses to hypoxia in the rock 

crab (Cancer irroratus) 

World Aquaculture Society, Las Vegas, NV, USA February 22nd-26 th 

McGaw, I.J.; Wang, G. Use of mussel farms for on-growth of American lobster, Homarus 

americanus. 

Canadian Conference for Fisheries Research, St John’s, NL Jan. 7th-9 th 

Rayner, G.; Livingstone, S.; McGaw, I.J. Interaction between the green shore crab, Carcinus 

maenas and the American lobster, Homarus americanus. 

The American lobster in a changing ecosystem. Charlottetown, PEI Nov 3-6 th 

McGaw, I.J.; Wang, G.; Robertson, L.M.; Wringe, B.F. The effect of temperature on foraging 

behaviour and digestion in the lobster Homarus americanus. 

Wang, G.; McGaw, I.J. Potential use of mussel farms as multitrophic on-growth sites for 

American lobster, Homarus americanus. The American lobster in a changing ecosystem. 

DR. ANNIE MERCIER 

University of Belize, Punta Gorda, Belize, August 2016. 

Hamel, J.-F.; Mercier, A. Hatchery experience and useful lessons from sea cucumbers: Brazil, 

Canada, China, Ecuador, Indonesia, Madagascar, Mexico, Philippines, and Solomon Islands. 

INVITED. 

Society for Biology and Conservation, Belize City, Belize, August 2016. 

Hamel, J.-F.; Mercier, A. Hatchery experience and useful lessons from sea cucumbers: Brazil, 

Canada, China, Ecuador, Indonesia, Madagascar, Mexico, Philippines, and Solomon Islands. XX 

Mesoamerican. INVITED. 


4th International Marine Conservation Congress, St. John’s, Canada, July 2016. 

Ammendolia, J.; Hamel, J-F.; Mercier, A. An assessment of the behavioural responses of 

echinoderms to the combined effects of hydrostatic pressure and ocean acidification. 

Gianasi, B.L.; Hamel, J.-F.; Mercier, A. Fisheries, trade history and aquaculture of the sea 

cucumber Cucumaria frondosa. 

Parzanini, C.; Parrish, C.C.; Hamel, J.-F.; Mercier, A. Trophic ecology as a key tool for the 

conservation of deep-sea resources: an integrated study in the North-West Atlantic. 

Robertson, L.M.; Hamel, J.-F.; Mercier, A. Feeding in deep-sea demosponges: influence of abiotic 

and biotic factors. 

Annual Meeting of the Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution, St. John’s, NL, 

Canada, July 2016. 

Montgomery, E.M.; Hamel, J.-F.; Mercier, A. Patterns and adaptive value of egg coloration in 

the marine environment: Insights from echinoderms. 

Ammendolia, J.; Hamel, J.-F.; Mercier, A. Pressure tolerances of cold-water echinoderms 

suggest limited ability for climate-driven downward migrations. 

2016 Summer Meeting of the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and 

Oceanography (ASLO), Santa Fe, NM, USA, June 2016. 

Ammendolia, J.; Hamel, J.-F.; Mercier, A. Life under pressure: An experimental study of 

behavioural responses to hydrostatic pressure in echinoderms. 

69th Canadian Conference for Fisheries Research, St. John’s, NL, Canada, January 

2016. 

Gianasi, B.; Hamel, J.-F.; Mercier, A. The commercial sea cucumber Cucumaria frondosa: current 

status and future perspectives. 

Innovare, Batam, Indonesia, November 2015. 

Hamel, J.-F.; Mercier, A. Hatchery experience and useful lessons from sea cucumbers. 

INVITED. 


Internacional sobre Maejo y Aprocechamiento Sustentable del Pepino de Mar, 

Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, 10-11 September 2015. Hosted by FAO, United Nations 

Hamel, J.-F.; Mercier, A. Acuacultura de pepino de mar a nivel mundial: una industria en 

crecimiento. INVITED 

14th Deep-Sea Biology Symposium, Aveiro, Portugal, September 2015. 

Mercier, A.; Baillon, S.; Hamel, J.-F. Life history and feeding biology of the deep-sea pycnogonid 

Nymphon hirtipes. 

Verkaik, K.; Hamel, J.-F.; Mercier, A. Impact of ocean acidification on the reproductive output 

of the deep-sea annelid Ophryotrocha sp. (Polychaeta: Dorvelleidae). 

Mercier, A.; Baillon, S.; Daly, M.; Macrander, J.; Hamel, J.-F. Biology of a deep-water sea 

anemone (Anthozoa: Actiniidae) from eastern Canada: spawning, development, and growth. 

DR. CHRIS PARRISH 

International Symposium on Fish Nutrition and Feeding, Sun Valley, United 

States, June 5 th -10 th , 2016. 

Parrish, C.C.; Beheshti Foroutani, M.; Carreón-Palau, L.; Rise, M.L.; Taylor, R.G. Effect of 

replacing fish oil and fish meal in aquafeeds with terrestrial products on growth performance 

and chemical composition in Atlantic salmon. 

57th International Conference on the Bioscience of Lipids, Chamonix, France, Sept 

4 th -8 th , 2016 

Parrish, C.C.; Beheshti Foroutani, M.; Carreón-Palau, L.; Caballero Solares, A.; Rise, M.L.; 

Taylor. R.G. Replacing fish oil and fish meal in aquafeeds with terrestrial products affects growth 

performance and chemical composition in Atlantic salmon. 

Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography, New Orleans, 

United States, February 21-26, 2016. 

Parrish, C.C.; Carreón-Palau, L.; del Ángel-Rodríguez, J.; Perez-Espana, H.; Aguiniga-Garcia, S. 

Organic carbon sources and their transfer in a Gulf of Mexico coral reef ecosystem under river 

influence. 


Canadian Conference for Fisheries Research, St. John's, Canada, January 7-9 th , 2016 

Parrish, C.C.; Hixson, S.M.; George, E.M.; Both, A.; Hailat, I. Lipid composition of molluscs 

exposed to finfish farming outputs. 

DR. MATT RISE 

Aquaculture 2016: The International Triennial Meeting of the World Aquaculture 

Society, Las Vegas, Nevada. February, 2016. 

Rise, M.L.; Xue, X.; Brown, T.D.; Hori, T.S.; Booman, M.; Hixson, S.M.; Ye, C.L.; Parrish, C.C.; 

Anderson, D.M. The influence of camelina based diets on the Atlantic salmon liver and distal 

intestine transcriptomes. Oral presentation in “Physiological Insights Towards Improving Fish 

Culture III” symposium 

2016 International Symposium on Fish Nutrition and Feeding (June 5 th -10 th , 2016; 

Sun Valley, Idaho) 

Caballero-Solares, A.; Hall, J.R.; Xue, X.; Eslamloo, K.; Taylor, R.G.; Rise, M.L. The dietary 

replacement of fish meal and fish oil by animal and plant ingredients modulates the antiviral 

immune response of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Poster presentation. 

Caballero-Solares, A.; Xue, X.; Parrish, C.C.; Taylor, R.G.; Rise, M.L. Evaluation of the effects 

of animal and plant-based diets on the liver transcriptome of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). 

Oral presentation. 

DR. RICHARD RIVKIN 

ICES Annual Science Meeting. Copenhagen, DK. September 2015. 

Rivkin, R. B.; Hale, M. S. Patterns of microzooplankton grazing in contrasting biogeochemical 

provinces of the temperate and sub-tropical Atlantic Ocean. 

Qingdao, China, December 2015. 

Rivkin, R. B. Microbial dynamics in the Beaufort Sea. Workshop on Microbial Oceanography. 

INVITED. 


International Workshop on Wet Lab Complexes and Marine Ecosystem Chamber 

Systems. Xiamen, China. December 2015. 

Rivkin, R. B. Scientific background for MECS and representative research questions for the 

future. INVITED. 

Ocean Sciences Meeting/ Association for the Sciences of Limnology and 

Oceanography. New Orleans, LA, February 2016 

Rivkin, R. B.; Anderson, M. R.; Legendre, L. Anthropogenic effects on ecosystem services as 

mediated by ocean biogeochemical processes. 

Legendre, L.; Rivkin, R. B.; Anderson, M.R. Anthropogenically forced changes in the balance 

between the supply of and demand for organic carbon in the upper ocean: Is the estimation of 

heterotrophic organic carbon demand biased? 

Anderson, M. R.; Rivkin, R. B. The anthropogenic effects of hydrocarbon inputs to coastal 

seas: are there potential biogeochemical impacts? 

University of Toronto Mississauga. Toronto, ON. March 2016. 

Rivkin, R. B. Patterns of microzooplankton grazing in contrasting biogeochemical provinces of 

the temperate and sub-tropical Atlantic Ocean. INVITED. 

Second Institute of Oceanography. Hangzhou, China. May 2016. 

Rivkin, R. B. Patterns of microzooplankton grazing in contrasting biogeochemical provinces of 

the subpolar, temperate and sub-tropical Atlantic Ocean. 

Gordon Research Conference on Ocean Biogeochemistry: The Biologically Driven 

Carbon Pumps. Hong Kong June 2016. 

Anderson, M. R.; Rivkin, R. B. Methane seeps and pock marks: source of climate active gas or 

carbon for microbes in the sea? 

Rivkin, R. B. Microbial mediated carbon pumps: Patterns and processes. INVITED. 

Liang, Y.; Zhang, Y.; Zhang, Y.; Luo, T.; Zhang, R.; Rivkin, R.B.; Jiao, N. Water column stability 

characterizes the distribution patterns of pico- and virio-plankton in the Western Pacific 

Ocean. 


DR. JAVIER SANTANDER 

III Chilean Symposium of Biological Control, Chillan, Chile, 2016 

Retamales, J.; Santander, J.; Alvarado, R.; González, P.; Joublan, J.P.; Núñez, P. Biocontrol of 

Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis using bacteriophages: a sustainable alternative against 

bacterial walnut blight. 

Aquaculture, Edinburg, Scotland, 2016 

Santander, J.; Valderrama, K.; Segovia, S.; Shoeffer, T. Unique Constitutively Expressed Genes 

of Piscirickettsia salmonis as Detection tool. (oral presentation). 

Segovia, C.; Santander, J. Non-coding RNA in Piscirickettsia salmonis under iron limited 

conditions. (poster presentation). 

SalmoFood workshop, Puerto Montt, Chile. March 18, 2016 

Santander, J. Technological tools for the aquaculture. (Invited) 

DR. PAUL SNELGROVE 

International Marine Conservation Conference, St. John’s NL. July 30 th to August 

3 rd , 2016. 

Campanyà i Llovet, N.; Snelgrove, P.V.R. Food patches as drivers of biodiversity patterns in 

infaunal communities in Barkley methane hydrates, a potential energy source 

Campanyà i Llovet, N.; Snelgrove, P.V.R. Relative contributions of biodiversity and environment 

to seafloor ecosystem functioning. 

AGU/ASLO 2016 Ocean Sciences Meeting, New Orleans, LA. February 21 st -26 th , 

2016. 

Campanyà i Llovet, N.; Snelgrove, P.V.R. Environmental drivers of spatial and temporal variation 

in infaunal communities at methane hydrates. 

Benthic Ecology Meeting, Portland ME. March 16 th -19 th , 2016. 

Campanyà i Llovet, N.; Snelgrove PVR. Temporal variability in infaunal communities at methane 

hydrates. 


Neves, B.M.; Archambault, P.; Dufour, S.; Deering, R.; Edinger, E.; Snelgrove, P.; Verhoeven, J.; 

Wareham, V. New ROV video observations of deep-water benthic biodiversity in Baffin Bay 

and the northwest Labrador Sea (Eastern Canadian Arctic). 

Snelgrove, P.V.R.; Archambault, P.; Lawton, P.; McKindsey, C.; Metaxas, A.; Pepin, P.; Therriault, 

T.; Tremblay, J-E.; Tunnicliffe, V. Canadian Healthy Oceans Network II: Conservation science 

for ocean policy. 

Canadian Conference for Fisheries Research, St. John’s, NL. January 7 th -9 th , 2016 

Van Wyngaarden, M.; Snelgrove, P.V.R.; DiBacco, C.; Hamilton, L.C.; Rodrígues-Ezpeleta, N.; 

Bradbury, I.R. Environ-mental influences of selection and population structure in the sea scallop, 

Placopecten magellanicus (o) based on Rad-Seq. 

Ocean Networks Canada Refresher Workshop on Barkley Canyon, Victoria, BC., 

2015. 

Campanyà-Llovet, N.; Snelgrove, P.V.R. The role of Barkley Canyon and Barkley Hydrate food 

quality for deep-sea fauna. 

Deep-Sea Biology Symposium, Aviero, Portugal, 31 August – 4 September, 2015. 

Campanyà i Llovet, N.; Snelgrove, P. Barkley methane hydrate patch mosaics and drivers of 

infaunal patterns. 

JBARB 

Danny L Boyce- Cleaner Fish Strategies in Atlantic Canada. 

Presented at Stofnfiskur lumpfish hatchery in Hafnir, Iceland. Stofnfiskur became a part of 

Benchmark Breeding and Genetics (BBG), a leading international breeding company in 

developing, producing and selling salmon ova. 


Presented at the Marine Institute in Iceland whom have started commercial production of 

lumpfish juveniles. Based on their previous experience in marine species, the farming of lumpfish 

has been successful, delivering 2 million juveniles in the first year of operation. 


Presented at the Carna Research Station, National University of Ireland Galway. 



Presented at the Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research at Swansea University in Wales UK. 

The centre is a hub for aquaculture research in Wales and acts as an important bridging 

mechanism between research, academia and industry. Currently the centre is involved in many 

projects including; a major contract with Marine Harvest to explore lumpfish production, 

husbandry and research. 

Danny L Boyce- JBARB and Cleaner Fish Strategies in Atlantic Canada. 

MI Aquaculture Class- Guest lecturer. 


FACULTY PROFILES 

DR. MARK ABRAHMAS 

http://www.mun.ca/osc/mabrahams/bio.php 

Research Interests: Research investigates the impacts and ramifications of 

predator prey interactions within aquatic ecosystems using computer 

models, laboratory experiments and field research. Current research is 

investigating the impact of changes in the visual environment and how this 

impacts the relative sensory abilities of predators, their prey, the nature of 

their interactions, and the ultimate impact this will have on habitat 

quality. We are also working on the relation between environmental predictability and scale and 

the consequences of creating predictability at anomalous scales on ecosystem function. Part of 

this work includes ongoing research using hydroacoustic surveys to measure the relative 

distribution of marine fishes, phyto and zooplankton, and large predators. 

DR. DON DEIBEL 

Research Interests: 

Arctic zooplankton ecology; planktonic tunicate genetics; invasive ascidian 

tunicate population ecology and genetics. 

DR. WILLIAM DRIEDZIC 

http://www.mun.ca/osc/wdriedzic/bio.php 

Research Interests: 

Current research activities focus on carbohydrate, protein and lipid 

metabolism, in marine fish and other selected species. We are addressing 

the biochemical solutions to survival under conditions of low temperature, 

low oxygen, and low food availability. The new information generated 

provides an intellectual connect from molecular biology, through 

biochemistry to physiological ecology. In another context, our studies are setting the stage for 

practical and powerful applications in the area of marine biomedicine. For instance, how does 

glucose move across cell membranes in some species of fish that have exceptionally low blood 

glucose levels? 


DR. IAN FLEMING 

http://www.mun.ca/osc/ifleming/bio.php 

Research Interests: The research in my laboratory addresses fundamental 

questions about the way in which animals respond to their environment 

(phenotypically and evolutionarily) and aims to provide a foundation for the 

understanding of central issues in biological conservation and management. It 

focuses on the evolutionary and behavioural ecology of fishes, with an emphasis on 

breeding system evolution, life history diversity, phenotypic plasticity, maternal 

effects and survival strategies. We have worked extensively on the management and 

conservation of wild fish populations, including the restoration of endangered and threatened populations, 

and interactions between aquaculture and wild fish. A range of scientific approaches are used, from 

controlled laboratory experiments to large-scale field experiments, as well as more theoretical studies. 

DR. PATRICK GAGNON 

http://www.ucs.mun.ca/~pgagnon/ 

Research Interests: Dr. Gagnon’s research program investigates factors and 

processes that govern the structure and function of cold marine benthic 

ecosystems. By integrating perspectives from ecology, oceanography, phycology, 

physiology, remote sensing, GIS technology, and modeling, his research group 

currently addresses fundamental and applied questions in four areas involving 

invertebrates and seaweeds: 1) controls and stability of subtidal benthic 

communities, 2) habitat modification and facilitation in subtidal benthic 

communities, 3) ecology of marine invasive species at their northern distribution limits, and 4) broad-scale 

mapping and study of dynamics of shallow benthic assemblages. 

DR. KURT GAMPERL 

http://www.mun.ca/osc/kgamperl/bio.php 

Research Interests: Dr. Gamperl is a fish physiologist whose goal is to 

understand how environmental and physiological variables interact to affect fish 

biology. This research uses a multi-level (whole animal, organ/tissue, cellular, 

genomic) approach to test hypotheses about how environmental conditions 

(temperature, oxygen, depth, domestication) affect metabolism, swimming 

performance, cardiovascular function and stress physiology, and how life history 

and ecology influence the design of physiological systems. He uses a variety of 

marine and anadromous (those that can go between fresh and salt water) fishes in his research, and the 

questions he addresses often have implications for fish ecology and/or aquaculture. 


DR. IAIN MCGAW 

http://www.mun.ca/osc/ijmcgaw/bio.php 

Research Interests: Dr. McGaw continues to carry out research in 

crustacean physiology, which has been a long term standing interest. 

Although most of his work is lab based, they are interested in an integrative 

approach and studying physiology under more natural conditions. The 

ingestion of a meal and its subsequent digestion is associated with a general 

increase in metabolism termed the specific dynamic action (SDA). Dr. 

McGaw is also interested in how animals balance the physiological demands associated with 

processing food, with that associated with adaptation to environmental change. For example, how 

do animals cope with an increased oxygen demand if they experience hypoxia following feeding? 

In addition to physiology, he is also interested in behaviour, specifically looking at how the animals 

use behaviour to mitigate the use of more costly physiological mechanisms. In the last two years 

Dr. McGaw has branched out more into the applied side of crustacean biology. Gemma Rayner, 

MSc candidate, is currently investigating the effects of the newly invasive green crab, and its 

potential to threaten the lobster fishery in this Province. Preliminary data shows that high 

densities of green crab will affect food acquisition by lobsters and their behaviour in and around 

traps. 

DR. ANNIE MERCIER 

http://www.mun.ca/osc/amercier/bio.php 

Research Interests: Dr. Mercier’s research examines the interactions 

between benthic organisms and environmental factors at various scales. 

Research questions are addressed using a wide spectrum of approaches and 

techniques, typically combining field samplings and experimental trials with 

microscopic/cellular analyses. Her studies are centered on echinoderms, 

cnidarians, mollusks and crustaceans from tropical and cold waters, and from 

the deep sea. The core of Dr. Mercier’s work focuses on the environmental 

drivers of gamete synthesis, spawning, larval development, settlement, growth and activity 

patterns. She also studies chronobiology and the role of social dialogs in reproductive 

coordination. Parallel segments of her research cover the effects of ocean acidification on 

biological processes under realistic conditions, and various aspects of functional and evolutionary 

ecology, including the adaptive value of reproductive strategies and offspring phenotypes. Applied 

studies are also conducted in her lab, for instance on the conservation and management of sea 

cucumbers, and the development of biomarkers of contamination in cold-water benthic 

organisms. 


DR. CHRIS PARRISH 

http://www.mun.ca/osc/cparrish/bio.php 

Research Interests: Dr. Parrish works at the intersection of chemistry and 

biology in the area of aquatic lipid research with an emphasis on nutritional 

and biomarker lipids in marine food webs. Lipids are of particular interest as 

they are very important energy sources in aquatic ecosystems and 

aquaculture, and some are essential for normal cellular function. Some are 

also versatile biomarkers that can be used in trophic studies with the help of 

multivariate statistics to delineate carbon cycling and transfer of material. 

DR. MATT RISE 

http://www.mun.ca/osc/mrise/bio.php 

Research Interests: During the past year, Dr. Rise's research program 

utilized functional genomics tools and techniques to identify and study the 

expression of genes involved in fish responses to various diets, 

environmental stressors, and immune stimuli. In addition, molecular 

techniques were used in his lab to characterize and study the expression of 

several fish genes that are important for antibacterial and antiviral immune 

responses [e.g. interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family members]. The 

research conducted in Dr. Rise’s lab provides novel information on the genetic basis of biological 

processes/responses that are key to fish health, and lays the groundwork for applied projects 

such as the development of new strategies for combating fish diseases (e.g. molecular diagnostics, 

clinical diets, and therapeutics) and molecular tests (e.g. molecular biomarker QPCR assays) for 

assessing the impact of pathogens and other stressors (e.g. heat stress) on farmed and wild fish. 

DR. RICHARD RIVKIN 

http://www.mun.ca/osc/rrivkin/bio.php 

Research Interests: Dr. Rivkin has internationally recognized research 

programmes studying the microbial food web dynamics and their influence 

on the cycling of organic material on ocean-climate interactions. His research 

studies the physiological ecology of phytoplankton and microbial food web 

processes in temperate and tropical oceans and in the Antarctic and 

assessing and modeling the role of microbes in controlling oceanic 

biogeochemistry at global scales, and their effects on ocean-climate 

interactions. This research is at the critical interfaces of microbial ecology, ocean biogeochemistry 

and climate. In addition he has, or had, several programmes in “applied” research areas such as 

the effects shellfish aquaculture and offshore oil production on microbial dynamics, marine 

habitats and ecosystem carrying capacity and invasive species. 


DR. JAVIER SANTANDER 

http://www.faculty.mun.ca/jsantander/ 

Research Interests: Dr. Santander´s research interests are mechanisms 

of bacterial pathogenesis and fish immunity towards vaccine development. 

Research in Santander´s lab includes classic and molecular bacteriology, 

genetic engineering and recombinant DNA, functional genomics and fish 

assays to identify and study key mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis and 

discover of protective antigens for commercially cultured fish species. Also, 

we are conducting research on bacteriophage biology and bacteriophage prophylaxis. 

DR. DAVID SCHNEIDER 

http://www.mun.ca/osc/dschneider/ 

Research Interests: The problem of scale in environmental biology is that 

pressing problems are often at the scale of decades and entire ecosystems, 

while measurements are usually constrained to small areas and brief periods. 

Patterns and process that prevail at small scales do not necessarily prevail 

at large scales. Of particular interest was the logical basis for scaling from 

sample to population, as it developed in theory and in the practice of 

statistics in the 20th century. 

DR. PAUL SNELGROVE 

Director Canadian healthy Oceans Network (CHONe) 

http://www.mun.ca/osc/psnelgrov/bio.php 

Research Interests: Dr. Snelgrove’s interests include marine community 

ecology, larval ecology and connectivity of fish and benthic invertebrates, 

biodiversity, hydrodynamic effects on benthic communities and populations, 

deep-sea ecology, coral reef ecology, disturbance and anthropogenic 

impacts, and marine conservation. 


DR. JOE WROBLEWSKI 

http://www.mun.ca/osc/jwroblewski/bio.php 

Research Interests: Dr. Joe Wroblewski’s research involves field studies and 

computer simulation modeling of changes in marine ecosystems in response to 

human activity, such as commercial fishing, natural resource development, and 

anthropogenic climate change. He and his students are investigating how a warmer 

climate would affect the Gulf of St. Lawrence ecosystem, with a focus on the marine 

wildlife of the Gros Morne National Park region along the west coast of Newfoundland. Bonne Bay is a 

fjord-estuary near the southern boundary of the National Park. Field research conducted by Dr. 

Wroblewski and his colleagues at Memorial University is establishing the science basis for designating 

Bonne Bay as a National Marine Conservation Area. 

Emeritus Faculty 

DR. GARTH FLETCHER 

http://www.mun.ca/osc/gfletcher/bio.php 

Research Interests: Dr. Fletcher’s research program focuses on antifreeze fish 

proteins (AFP) and their genes. These proteins, present in a wide variety of fish 

species inhabiting polar and sub polar/temperate oceans, play an essential role in 

the colonization of such potentially lethal environments. Antifreeze proteins bind 

to and thereby prevent the growth of embryonic ice crystals that form within the 

fish’s extracellular fluids effectively lowering the fish’s freezing point; thus giving the 

fish a margin of safety that correlates with the severity of the environment inhabited. Characterization of 

the AFP types and of the genes controlling antifreeze production is providing valuable information on both 

antifreeze protein evolution, and on fish species evolution and population structure. Antifreeze protein 

gene research has led to the development of AFP and chimeric growth hormone gene constructs that can 

be used for the production of genetically modified fish for use in aquaculture. 


OCEAN SCIENCES REPORTS 

COLD-OCEAN DEEP-SEA RESEARCH FACILITY 

The Cold-Ocean Deep-Sea Research 

Facility (CDRF) at the Ocean Sciences 

Centre provides researchers with 

access to state-of-the-art infrastructure 

and equipment for studying life from the 

level of the whole organism down to the 

microscopic. It has been designed 

specifically for the study of freshwater 

and marine organisms, especially those from the cold waters of the Arctic and North Atlantic 

oceans. The unique capabilities of the facility also allows us to support researchers from a variety 

of medical, industrial and environmental fields. 

The CDRF is structured as a shared user facility with equipment available for use by the staff, 

faculty and students of the Department of Ocean Sciences or other departments of the university. 

Analytical services and research collaborations are also conducted by the expert staff of the 

CDRF with outside industry, academic and government partners. A list of completed and active 

projects for this year follows. 

Environmental Effects Monitoring 

We continue to work with AMEC-Foster Wheeler to support the health impacts component of 

their Environmental Effects Monitoring program (EEM). This program assesses potential impacts 

on commercial fish species in the vicinity of the Hibernia offshore oil and gas operations as well 

as at the Hebron site. Each season, gill, liver and blood samples of American plaice (Hippoglosoides 

platessoides) are provided to the CDRF for histopathological, haematological and toxicological 

assessments. This ongoing work is an important component of assuring the environmental safety 

and compliance of these offshore operations. 

Functional Feed Ingredient (FFI) Bioassays 

In partnership with Dr. Matthew Rise as well as scientists at Cargill (Dr. Richard Taylor), the flow 

cytometry capacity at the CDRF is used for aquaculture bioassays. This has included the 

development and implementation of phagocytosis and oxidative burst assays which assess the 

immune response of salmon (Salmo salar) head kidney leukocytes to novel feed ingredients. 

Additionally, we have implemented transcriptional assays which look for changes in the regulation 


of immune genes in the fish following in vitro exposure of salmon macrophage cells to the FFI. 

Such ingredients have the potential to be used to help fish withstand diseases that can significantly 

impact cold-water aquaculture operations in the region and worldwide. 

Deep-sea research 

This year saw the completion of our first deep-sea research project examining the behavioural 

responses of echinoderms to deep-sea conditions created in the CDRF’s pressure chambers (Dr. 

Annie Mercier). Additionally, we conducted a pilot study on the effect of high hydrostatic 

pressure on the degradation of crude oil with Exxon-Mobil Biomedical (Dr. Roger Prince) 1 . 

Students from the Faculty of Engineering’s NRPOP group continue to use CDRF equipment which 

allows microscopic examination of pressurized contents to study the interactions of oil and 

surfactants under pressure (Dr. Bing Chen). We continue to provide deep-sea testing services to 

pressure test equipment housings used in marine applications (SubC Imaging). 

Containment zone operations 

The containment zone has seen an increase in use for in vitro work. The specialized incubators, 

biosafety cabinets and containment zone operations have made this the preferred space for cell 

culture work at the OSC, for instance in support of the FFI related work. The space has been 

made available for new bacteriological work (Dr. Javier Santander) on aquatic pathogens. 

Microscopy and cytometry 

This year we completed a project using the scanning electron microscope with the Department 

of Fisheries and Oceans (Dr. Harry Murray) which produced high resolution images of the 

parasitic copepod Ergasilus labracis 2 . The publication from this work also describes a simplified 

chemical method for preparing biological specimens that is now available to CDRF users. Students 

from the DOS continue to use the SEM to image small specimens, such as the larval stages of 

marine invertebrates. Our flow cytometer has been put to use by the Department of 

Biochemistry (Dr. Sherri Christian) to examine immune system regulations and signalling 3 and by 

the DOS to examine antiviral immune responses of Atlantic cod (Dr. Matthew Rise) 4 . At the end 

of this year a digital slide scanner was acquired by Dr. Annie Mercier and the CDRF has assisted 

in setting it up and making it available to early use by this department as well as interested 

researchers from the medical faculty and Eastern Health. We have also begun developing 

protocols for microscopic examination of microplastic ingestion in zooplankton. 


DR. JOE BROWN AQUATIC RESEARCH BUILDING 

The Dr. Joe Brown Aquatic Research Building 

(JBARB) provides facilities designed to support 

research, training, pre-commercial production, and 

small-scale commercial trials, on aquaculture related 

species (finfish and shellfish). Separate tanks and 

rooms are available for broodstock conditioning, 

paired mating, physiological aspects of marine finfish, 

hatchery, first feeding / nursery operations, and 

grow-out. Live food production can deliver 

quantities of rotifers and Artemia daily. 

The JBARB carries out research in collaboration 

with Memorial University, government departments, 

scientists and industry partners. The aquaculture 

potential of various finfish and shellfish species is 

being evaluated through the study of broodstock biology, and physiology and genomics, and the 

development of larval and ongrowing rearing techniques. 

In 2015-2016, the JBARB has provided research based tours for 250 visitors, including 

researchers, government officials, and industry members from Canada, United States, Denmark, 

Europe, France, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Scotland and Spain. The facility also helped 

in the training of three work-term students, two MUCEP students, 10 graduate students and two 

post-doctoral fellows. 

Current Projects 

Atlantic Cod Broodstock. Memorial University continues to hold cod broodstock for the 

evaluation of numerous optimization processes which can lead to increased survival, hatch rates 

and eventual growth and performance of cod larvae from selective cod broodstock. 

Making a Better Fish Feed- International collaborative research to fine-tune fish 

feeds. Researchers in the Department of Ocean Sciences are collaborating on a $3.8 million 

international partnership to assess the effects of various diets on fish health at a molecular level. 

(Drs. Parrish and Rise-DOS and Dr. Richard Taylor -EWOS). Ongoing 

Culturing American Oysters in Newfoundland. Research and development into creating a 

sustainable Newfoundland oyster industry by importing stock to make a genetically viable 

population in province while breeding with local species to take advantage of environmental 

adaptation. (Badger Bay Mussel Farms Ltd.). Ongoing 


American lobster, Homarus americanus, and Green Crab, Carcinus maenas, Interactions. 

One Lobster (American lobster – Homarus americanus) and green crab (Carcinus maenas) will be 

held at different densities (1, 5, and 25) and a food dish (mackerel) to observe and record 

interactions. (Dr. Iain McGaw-DOS). Complete 

Developing Tools and Solutions to Mitigate and Control Sea Lice on Cultured 

Atlantic Salmon. The Pest Management Regulatory Agency, Health Canada, in partnership 

with the Salmon Health Consortium, is currently working with salmon growers (Cold Ocean 

Salmon Inc.), government officials, therapeutant suppliers and researchers (JBARB staff, Mr. 

Danny Boyce, Dr. Fletcher-DOS and Dr. Keng Pee Ang) to develop the elements of an integrated 

pest management program for sea lice. The key elements of the program are prevention, 

monitoring, and intervention, which parallel the designs of established integrated pest 

management programs in agriculture. Ongoing 


ENGAGEMENT/PUBLIC OUTREACH 

Since 1988 the Department of Ocean Sciences has organized and played a continuous role in 

public awareness in marine sciences through public and marine science programs. The current 

public education program (PEP) is a complimentary interactive and interpretive outdoors activity 

for tourists, school children and local visitors. Features of the program include an outdoor touch 

tank, where visitors can experience a never - ending variety of local marine life; an out - door 

observation platform for viewing our captive population of harp seals; and marine interpreters 

(MUN summer students) to answer questions and explain current research initiatives at the 

facility. The program operates seven days a week from June 1 st to Labour Day weekend. This past 

year the program welcomed 19,474 visitors to the Centre, with an additional ~ 7,800 people 

exposed to our “Traveling Touch Tank” at various location throughout the Avalon area. 

During the year we were able to deliver an outreach program to 

local schools, visiting primary and elementary schools on the Avalon 

with a traveling touch tank and seal video presentation. Students 

were introduced to the wonders of the ocean that surrounds 

Newfoundland while fulfilling some of their learning outcomes, such 

as the senses, lifecycles and ecosystems. The program was also able 

to continue its “Travelling Touch Tank” and other on-going outreach 

initiatives including attending several workshops and events to 

promote ocean awareness and education; celebrating Whale Festival 

with Parks Canada; presenting to the TD Summer Reading Club at 

the Provincial Library and visiting other libraries in the area; attending the MI Career Fair and 

Let’s Talk Science event; Science Rendezvous family event supported through the Faculty of 

Science; Science Literacy Week; visiting many local day/summer camps, Easter Seals, Johnson Geo 

Centre, Manuals River Interpretation Centre, Autism Society; St. John’s International Airport and 

daycare facilities; and participating and presenting at the Eastern Newfoundland Regional Science 

Fair. The Ocean Sciences education program, working in collaboration with the Oceans Learning 

Partnership (OLP), Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Department of Sociology, Department 

of Geography and Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium delivered a successful Oceans Day celebration. 

The aim of this year's event was to have school groups from the surrounding communities 

participate in the activities as it related to the school's learning outcomes (ecosystems and water 

system). Proposed activities included a beach clean-up, getting up-close and learning about local 

marine life through an interactive touch tank and fish viewing containers, interacting with MUN 


esearchers, staff and students, scientific divers, and representatives from our partner 

organizations to learn about the importance of the ocean in our own backyard, about our impacts 

on our oceans, and ways for us to protect this wondering and fascinating resource. Unfortunately, 

due to inclement weather our beach day event was moved into the participating schools. 

The Department of Ocean Sciences, in collaboration with 

OLP, delivered a marine biodiversity program for high 

school students on land and at sea. The OLP is a not for 

profit corporate entity formed to address the lack of 

resources and opportunities for the youth of the province 

to be aware of the oceans, ocean life, oceans related 

research and technology and opportunities for oceans 

related education, training and careers. During the fall of 

2015, approximately 320 youth from schools in Mount 

Pearl, Conception Bay South, St. John’s, Bell Island, 

Bonavista, Placentia, Foxtrap and Torbay participated in the program. The at-sea component 

involved a hands-on program on board the Coastal Explorer vessel, launching from the Holyrood 

Marine Base. Using state-of –the-art scientific and oceanographic equipment, students developed 

basic skills in the collection of oceanographic, meteorological and biological data. The 

complimentary laboratory based program at OSC focused on hand-on activities, including an 

invertebrate dichotomous key, fish dissection, animal husbandry, water quality and working with 

the staff in the seal facility. 

Furthermore, through collaborations with OLP, the department has taken the lead in driving and 

coordinating this initiative at the university and has been identified as a partner site, along with 

Bonne Bay Marine Station and Terra Nova National Park, for the delivery of shore-based 

education to the Avalon school district. This partnership has also spurred discussions with several 

funding agencies (IBRD, ACOA, DFA, DFO, etc.) and potential industry partners to expand public 

education and engagement initiatives at the Centre. 


FACULTY ENGAGEMENT 

• The Department of Ocean Sciences faculty and staff have 

been supporting the efforts of the community of 

Champney’s West, in Trinity Bay to establish a public 

aquarium and learning centre. Our personnel provided 

advice in developing the plans for the facility and worked 

with the architects. OSC Staff also made regular visit this 

past summer to help with tank installation and training of 

aquarium staff. The building is approximately 60 ft x 30 ft and is situated on a wonderful 

waterfront site that will allow immediate access to the intertidal zone. A photographic 

essay of the development may be found at www.champneysisland.net. (Driedzic) 

• Board of Directors, Oceans Learning Partnership (OLP), 2014-present (Snelgrove). The 

OLP is a not for profit corporate entity formed to address the lack of resources and 

opportunities for the youth of the province to be aware of the oceans, ocean life, oceans 

related research and technology and opportunities for oceans related education, training 

and careers. 

• Dr. Paul Snelgrove provided interviews on his research to the Fisheries Broadcast, the 

Halifax Chronicle Herald and several MUN Gazette articles. 

• Dr. Pat Gagnon volunteers at local elementary schools and provides introductory science 

presentations. 

• Dr. Iain McGaw is a Member of the Salmonid Association of Eastern Newfoundland 

Projects Committee. This committee is involved in the reintroduction of salmon back into 

the Rennies river watershed. Dr. McGaw was also awarded a grant of $14,785 from the 

Atlantic Salmon Federation for a project to install a fence and automated camera system 

for counting salmon smolts and returning adults at the Quidi Vidi falls. 


SEAL FACILITY 

The OSC is responsible for the care and maintenance of three harp seals. 

These animals are housed in the seal compound where they have access to 

three tanks supplied with a continuous flow of seawater pumped directly from 

the ocean. The oldest seal, Babette, came from the Îles de la Madeleine in 1989 

as an adult, and her estimated age is 35 years. Tyler also came from the Îles 

de la Madeleine, but as a pup, in 1990. Babette, the first harp seal known to 

give birth in captivity and has given birth to many pups in her time here 

including the youngest seal, Deane, with Tyler as her father. Deane was named after Dr. Deane 

Renouf, a former Professor of Psychology who initiated the seal research program at the OSC. 

The seals are under the care of Ms. Kiersten Cormier, with assistance from Aline Litt and 

Christine Vickers (technicians), many volunteers, including graduates, undergraduate and high 

school students. The animals are fed daily with appropriate amounts of herring fortified with a 

prescribed multi-vitamin and amino acid supplement. The seals are also fed crushed ice on a daily 

basis as their primary source of fresh water. In order to ensure that the seals have a clean, healthy 

environment, their tanks are drained and cleaned on a weekly basis. At this point in time, each 

seal is weighed to make sure that they are maintaining a healthy body weight, which fluctuates 

seasonally. Blood tests are also carried out whenever a medical examination is necessary. 

In addition to ensuring the health and welfare of the seals, their caregivers provide them with a 

variety of behavioural tasks designed to enrich the environment in which they live. This includes 

training them to distinguish between different shapes and colours, and understanding the meaning 

of hand and whistle signals. The seals are rewarded with a fish snack for correct responses to a 

variety of signals. All of these behavioural training exercises are recorded using digital 

photography and videography and are analyzed for progress. 

Much of these environmental enrichment activities have involved 

students registered with “experiential learning programs” such as 

Women in Science and Engineering, Memorial's Undergraduate Career 

Experience Program, and the International Student Work Experience 

Program. Visits were also made to the Facility by school groups as part 

of the curriculum including MUN Biology 3711, Biology 4122 and Ocean 

Sciences 1000 classes. This year there were sixteen high school classes that visited and partook 

in training the seals to do “Match-to-sample” training, among other labs. The Seal facility has also 

hosted visits from Academic institutions hoping to gain experience and training in harp seal 

husbandry. 

The seals are a major component of the OSC public education program. Kiersten and her seal 

caregivers speak with the public about the seals and their environmental enrichment training 

programs on a regular basis. 


FIELD SERVICES UNIT 

The Field services Unit (FSU) of the Ocean 

Science Centre (OSC) supports most field 

work and research conducted by OSC 

faculty, staff and students. The unit is 

composed of three scientific divers and 

equipped with a 3 meter Zodiac, 5 meter 

Boston Whaler, and a 5 ton multipurpose 

diving support vehicle which gives the unit 

the ability to dive and work in the field yearround. 

The unit also has an in house SCUBA 

compressor as well as a portable SCUBA 

Compressor for longer isolated field work. 

Memorial University is one of the few 

universities in Canada with a scientific dive 

team that dive to the Canadian Association of Underwater Science Standard (CAUS). The unit 

also collects and transports live specimens via one or two 2000L live tanks and two 100lb oxygen 

tanks secured to the dive truck for several departments of the University, including the Marine 

Institute and Bonne Bay Marine Station in Norris Point. FSU also support external agencies such 

as the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 

(DFA), Ontario Science Centre, and Oceans Ltd. Furthermore the unit often collects and 

transports live and preserved specimens to other facilities and academic institutions both in 

Canada and internationally. 

Over the 2016 season the Field Services Unit was again involved with many projects helping 

students, faculty and staff in the labs and in the field. Last year the dive team had an approximate 

total of 225 combined dives with a bottom time of around 150 hours, that’s almost 6 and a half 

full days spent under water. The primary focus of the FSU is for marine scientific collections that 

aid in the teaching of multiple university level biology courses and obtaining specimens for the 

OSC’s Public Education Program through SCUBA and many other collection techniques such as 

beach seines. Last year the FSU took on a new task, which turned out to be one of the more 

interesting and enjoyable projects, acting as the stand by divers for the MATE ROV competition 

held at Marine Institute. Obstacle courses had to be set up in the MI flume tank for different 

classes of ROV competition and then re-set the course after each team completed the tasks set 

for them. One of the longer field projects FSU worked on last year was a Lobster/Green Crab 

interaction study conducted in the Harbour Mill area of Newfoundland. The big question here is, 

how can an invasive species impact a fishery? This took a total of four weeks in the field working 

and living directly with the student researcher, the ultimate goal of her research is to investigate 

whether green crab directly impact lobster catch at the level of the gear. To do this underwater 

cameras were attached to lobster traps to observe interactions between green crab and lobster 

in and around the lobster traps as they soak in the water, with over 600 hours of video to analyze. 


Another new project the unit took on last season was the monitoring of anti-fouling plates 

through video and camera work. Small plates were painted with various anti fouling paints and 

set in different harbours, then observations were made around once a month to determine which 

paints worked the best to alleviate marine growth. 

The FSU was also involved in an 

aquaculture Project with the Dr. Joe 

Brown Aquatic Research Building 

(JBARB) entitled “Cleaner Fish - 

Developing Tools and Solutions to 

Mitigate and Control Sea Lice on 

Cultured Atlantic Salmon”. The FSU 

aided with the collection and transport of 

mature Cyclopterus lumpus (lumpfish) 

and egg masses in order for the JBARB 

facility to incubate, captive breed, and hatch out any egg masses to eventually use in fish farms as 

a way to remove parasites from farmed salmon. As part of the ongoing research in aquaculture, 

the unit transports live farmed salmon, cod and rainbow trout from the Bay D’Espoir area, as 

well as, a hatchery located in Stephenville back to the and Marine Institute while continually 

supplying and monitoring oxygen levels and fish health during transport. The FSU team have an 

impressive 99% survival rate during fish transfers. 

During the past couple years the unit has been involved in a collaborative project between DFO, 

DFA, and the OSC into detection and monitoring of aquatic invasive species in Newfoundland 

and Labrador. Continual monitoring of a destructive invasive known as Vase Tunicate, Ciona 

intestinalis, in the Placentia Bay area and with video transect surveys and samples. Divers from the 

unit have also been focused on conducting surveys to monitor the spread of green crab, Carcinus 

maenas, in Placentia Bay primarily but have expanded to include Trinity Bay, Springdale, Botwood, 

Lewisport and Twillingate. in collaboration with DFO and MUN the FSU have also been 

continually monitoring the presence and spread of the violet tunicate, Botrylloides violaceus, an 

invasive colonial tunicate in Belleoram as well as the invasive tunicate golden star (Botryllus 

schlosseri) in Marystown area and recently expanded to Conception Bay and multiple sites in 

Placentia Bay. This on-going project has promising results for understanding the life cycle, habitat, 

and possible mitigation measures. The project is part of the Government of Canada’s Action Plan 

to address the threat of aquatic invasive species 

The FSU’s aim for the coming year will be continued involvement with JBARB cleaner fish project, 

continually monitor the known invasive species such as Green crab and tunicates while making 

biological collections for Memorial University’s researchers, students and public education 

programs. When possible aid in the mitigation of the invasive species and continually report any 

findings back to DFO. The unit continues to play an integral role in the research activities of the 

OSC and to provide support to other organizations as requested. 


SAFETY COMMITTEE 

The Department of Ocean Sciences is committed to providing and maintaining a healthy and safe 

working and learning environment for all workers, students, volunteers and visitors. This is 

achieved by observing best practices which meet or exceed the standards to comply with 

legislative requirements as contained in the Newfoundland Occupational Health and Safety Act 

(OHSA), Nuclear Safety and Control Act and other statutes, their regulations and the policies, 

programs and procedures established by the University. 

Ocean Sciences is equally committed to preventing accidents in the workplace. This is achieved 

by continuous improvement in the workplace inspections and health and safety training. The 

Department of Ocean Sciences is responsible for the provision of information, training and 

equipment and resources to ensure compliance with all relevant statutes and internal health and 

safety programs. 


OCEAN SCIENCES GRADUATE STUDENT ASSOCIATION (OSGSA) 

The Ocean Sciences Graduate Student Association (OSGSA) is a group created by graduate 

students, for graduate students, who work and study at the Ocean Science Centre (OSC). The 

OSGSA aims to improve graduate life at the OSC by providing graduate support in terms of 

academic development and social events. The OSGSA is made up of an executive board 

(Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer, Social Coordinator and Seminar Series Coordinator) 

and includes all students at the OSC. 

Each week during the Fall and Winter semesters, the OSGSA organises and presents the “Ocean 

Sciences Seminar Series” that gives faculty and students the opportunity to attend academic 

seminars based on marine research being conducted in Newfoundland or elsewhere. So far, the 

OSGSA has presented seminars from speakers from within the university, the industry sector 

(AMEC Foster Wheeler, LGL Limited, The Arctic Eider Society, Nature Conservancy Canada) 

and the government (Fisheries and Oceans Canada) which provides students with information 

about current research, and contacts needed for their future careers. This series attracts faculty, 

post-doctorate researchers, graduate students and undergraduate students from all backgrounds 

within the university, and continues to attract larger audiences. 

In August 2016, the OSGSA acquired a graduate lounge at the OSC with funds provided by the 

Graduate Student’s Union’s (GSU) Special Project Grant (SPG) of $500. These funds were used 

to purchase a couch and fridge to create a room for grad students to take some time away from 

the office and socialise with peers. This room has been a great success with the students, as many 

use this space as a lunch room. The OSGSA also uses this room as the general office and where 

useful information regarding the constitution, conferences and funding sources is displayed for 

the use of the students. 


VISITORS 

The Ocean Sciences Centre is visited throughout the year by individuals and groups from various 

sectors of government, academic institutions, and industry. During the 2015-2016 academic year the 

following groups and individuals visited the OSC /JBARB/CDRF. 

Academic Institutions 

Natural Resources Technology and Large Animal and Exotic Health, Academy Canada 

Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Aquaculture, Marine Institute 

Denmark Technical University 

CSIRO, Hobart, Australia 

University of Waterloo 

University of Southampton, UK 

Loyola Marymount University, California 

Ulster University, Ireland 

University of California, Santa Barbara, USA. 

CARNA Research Station, Galway, Ireland 

University of British Columbia 

Office of Public Engagement, MUN 

Dalhousie University, NS 

Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) 

Animal Care Services (ACS), MUN 

The Centre for Aquaculture Technologies (CATC), PEI 

NUIG, Galway, Ireland 

Government & Government agencies 

Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) 

Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (DFA) 

National Research Council (NRC) – IRAP 

Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) 

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) 

Canadian Council for Fisheries Innovation (CCFI) 

Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development (BTCRD) 

Atlantic Canadian Opportunities Agency (ACOA) 

Research and Development Corporation (RDC) 

Regional Development Corporation (RDC) 

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 

MP’s- Nick Whelan and Ken Carter 

Norwegian Delegation –Aquaculture 


Industry/ Business/Non-profit 

Oceans Ltd 

AMEC 

Sub C Imaging 

Merasheen Oyster Farms Ltd. 

Badger Bay Mussel Farms 

Newfoundland Cod Broodstock Company Ltd. 

Northern Harvest Smolt Ltd. 

Cook Aquaculture Inc. 

Sunrise/Connaigre Fish Farms Inc. 

Grieg Seafoods NL Ltd 

Exxon Mobil 

Ewos Innovation Norway 

Cold Ocean Salmon 

Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) 

Woman in Science and Engineering (WISE) 

Oceans Learning Partnership (OLP) 

Fisheries Broadcast (CBC) 

Cold Ocean Salmon 

Kelly Cove Salmon 




ADMINISTRATION 

Head & Director 

Deputy Head 

Cold-Ocean Deep-Sea Research Facility (CDRF) 

Facility & Business Manager 

Dr. Joe Brown Aquatic Research Building 

Dr. Garth L. Fletcher (2009 – present) 

Dr. Annie Mercier (2015-present) 

Steven Hill 

Danny Boyce 

Research Marketing Manager/Undergraduate 

Student Advisor/Graduate Student Coordinator/ 

Engagement 

Field and Laboratory Services Supervisor 

Administrative Staff Specialist III 

Intermediate Secretary 

Intermediate Clerk Steno 

Research Assistant 

Animal Husbandry /Seal Facility 

Computing Services 

Image & Data Analysis Facility 

CREAIT 

Danielle Nichols 

Jim Devereaux 

Marsha Roche 

Winnie Sparkes 

JoAnn Greening 

Daryl Jones/Kiersten Cormier 

Marc Bolli 


COMMITTEES 

Promotion and Tenure 

Search Committee 

Tier 2 CRC Biogeochemistry 


Tier 2 CRC Marine Physiological Ecology 


Tier 1 CRC Biological Oceanographic 

Processes 

Graduate Studies 

Undergraduate Studies 

Science Council Standing Committees 

Iain McGaw (Chair) 

Chris Parrish 

William Driedzic 

Richard Rivkin 

Joe Wroblewski 

Richard Rivkin (Chair) 

Chris Parrish 

Joe Wroblewski 

Pat Gagnon 

Sue Ziegler (Earth Sciences) 

Iain McGaw (Chair) 

Kurt Gamperl 

Chris Parrish 

Paul Snelgrove 

Sunzanne Dufour (Biology) 

Don Deibel (Chair) 

Bill Driedzic 

Ian Fleming 

Chris Parrish 

Annie Mercier 

Kurt Gamperl (Graduate Officer) 

Ian Fleming 

Chris Parrish 

Iain McGaw 

Justine Ammendolia (Graduate Student 

representative) 

Ian Fleming 

Patrick Gagnon 

Annie Mercier(Undergraduate officer) 

Matt Rise 

Annie Mercier (Undergrad) 

Matt Rise (Grad) 

Pat Gagnon (Library) 

Iain McGaw (Nominating Committee) 


Graduate Student Recruitment 

Scientific Advisory Committee OSC 

CREAIT(ARC) 

CREAIT Services 

Genomics and Proteomics 

University Senate 

MUN Animal Care (Department) 

Chair, Memorial University Animal Care and 

Use Committee 

CDRF User Committee 

OSC Tours 

Space Committee: 

Safety Committee: 

Social Committee 

Kurt Gamperl 

Annie Mercier 

Iain McGaw 

Chris Parris (Chair) 

Matthew Rise 

William Driedzic 

Matt Rise 

Ian Fleming 

Iain McGaw 

Matt Rise 

Chris Parrish (Chair) 

Kurt Gamperl 

Annie Mercier 

Pat Gagnon 

Steven Hill (Ex Officio) 


Danny Boyce 

Steve Hill 

Garth Fletcher 


Connie Short (Co-Chair) 

Kurt Gamperl 

Marsha Roche (Co-Chair) 

Andrew Perry 

Mark Bailey (Ec-Officio)- MUN Diving Safety Officer 

Margaret Shears 


Kiersten Cormier 

Gemma Rayner 

Jenna MacKinnion 


FACULTY 

Dr. Mark Abrahams - Professor, Dean of Science - B.Sc (Hons.) University of Western 

Ontario, MSc Queen’s University, PhD Simon Fraser University. 

Dr. Donald Deibel - Professor (Research) -B.Sc Bucknell Univ. USA, PhD Univ. of Georgia, 

USA. 

Dr. William Driedzic - Professor - B.Sc (Hons.) York, M.Sc. Toronto, PhD. British 

Columbia. Canadian Research Chair Tier I - Marine Bioscience. 

Dr. Garth L. Fletcher - Professor Emeritus - B. Sc. Univ. of British Columbia, Ph. D. Univ. 

of California, Santa Barbara. 

Dr. Ian A. Fleming - Professor - B.Sc Queen’s Univ., M.Sc. Simon Fraser Univ., PhD. Univ. 

of Toronto. 

Dr. Patrick Gagnon- Associate Professor - B.Sc Laval University, M.Sc. Laval University, 

PhD Laval University. 

Dr. Kurt Gamperl - Professor - B.Sc (Hons.) Univ.of Guelph, M.Sc. Univ. of Guelph, PhD 

Dalhousie Univ. 

Dr. Iain McGaw- Associate Professor - B.Sc. University of Wales, Bangor, UK, Ph.D. 

University of Wales, Bangor, UK 

Dr. Annie Mercier - Professor - B.Sc Université de Sherbrooke, M.Sc. Université du 

Québec à Rimouski, Ph.D. Université du Québec à Rimouski. 

Dr. Chris Parrish - Professor (Research) - B.Sc Univ. College of Swansea, UK, PhD 

Dalhousie Univ. 

Dr. Matthew L. Rise - Professor - B.Sc. Whitworth College, M.Sc. Boston College, Ph.D. 

University of Victoria. Canadian Research Chair Tier II – Marine Biotechnology 

Dr. Richard Rivkin - Professor - B.Sc. City College of New York, USA, M.Sc. City College 

of New York, USA., Ph.D. Univ. of Rhode Island, USA. University Research Professor 

Dr. Javier Santander- Assistant Professor- BSc Marine Biology, Universidad Catolica del 

Norte, Coquimbo, Chile; MSc Microbiology, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso, 

Chile; PhD Microbiology, Arizona State University. 

Dr. David Schneider - Professor - B.Sc. Duke, Durham, NC, USA, Ph.D. SUNY, Stony 

Brook, Long Island, NY, USA. 

Dr. Paul Snelgrove - Professor - B.Sc. Hon. Memorial Univ., M.Sc. McGill., Ph.D. 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Canadian 

Research Chair Tier II - Boreal and Cold Ocean Systems 

Dr. Joseph Wroblewski - Professor (Research) - B.Sc. Univ. of Illinois, USA, M.Sc. Florida 

Univ., USA, Ph.D. Florida State Univ., USA. 


OSC Directors/ Head 

Dr. Fred Aldrich – Director (1967 – 1971) 

Dr. David Idler – Director (Sept 1, 1971 – 1987) 

Dr. Richard Haedrich – Director (1987 – 1992) 

Dr. Laurence Crim – Director (June 1992-Sept, 1998) 

Dr. Raymond Thompson – Acting Director (Sept. 1998 – Dec. 31, 1998) 

Dr. William Driedzic – Director (Jan. 1999-May 2002) 

Dr. Chris Parrish – Interim Director (May - Dec. 2002), Acting Director (Jan – May 2002) 

Dr. Joe Brown - Interim Director – (Jan. 1, 2003- June 30, 2004) 

Dr. Ian Fleming – Director (July 2004-June 2009) 

Dr. Garth Fletcher – Director (July 2009 – June 2012) 

Dr. Garth Fletcher- Department Head (July 2012-Present) 

Cross – Appointees 

Dr. Fereidoon Shahidi - Biochemistry Dept. 

Dr. Craig Purchase- Biology Dept. 

Dr. Brett Favaro- CASD, MI 

Dr. Sherrylynn Rowe- CFER, MI 

Adjunct Professors 

Dr. Ian Bradbury- Department of Fisheries and Oceans 

Dr. Dave Cote – Senior Ecologist (Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure) 

Dr. Brian Dixon- University of Waterloo 

Dr. Alexandra Eaves- Senior Scientist (Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure) 

Dr. Tony Farrell- University of British Columbia 

Dr. Michelle Hale-University of Portsmouth 

Dr. Peter Lawton- St. Andrews Biological Station, NB 

Dr. Cynthia McKenzie- Department of Fisheries and Oceans 

Dr. Corey Morris- Department of Fisheries and Oceans 

Dr. Patrick O’Reilly- Diadromous Fish Division, Department of Fisheries and Oceans 

Dr. P. Pepin - Department of Fisheries and Oceans 

Visiting Researchers 

Dr. Jorge Eduardo Pino-Marambio and Mr. Juan Sepulveda, research assistant) Universidad de La 

Fronterea, Temuco. November 30 th to December 4 th , 2015. (M. Rise). 

Dr. Frank Smith, Visiting Research – Dalhousie University, NS. Nov. 9-Nov. 13, 2015. (K. 

Gamperl) 

Dr. Mehmet Kocabas, Visiting Researcher – Karadeniz Technical University, Turkey. – Sept. 1, 

2015-August 31, 2016. (D. Boyce) 

Dr. Douglas Syme, Visiting Researcher- University of Calgary, June 11-July 1, 2015. (K. Gamperl) 


STAFF 

Research Assistants and Science Technicians 

Kiersten Cormier – Science Technician II (Seals-Started May 2014) 

Kathy Clow – Research Assistant II (Driedzic March 25, 2016) 

Corinne Conway- Research Assistant (Abrahams) 

Daryl Jones - Research Assistant I (Seals/Department) 

Margaret Shears- Research Assistant II (Fletcher/Department) 

Connie Short - Research Assistant II (Driedzic/Department) 

Lisa De Coeli- Research Assistant (Snelgrove Jan-March 2016) 

Christine Vickers – Research Assistant I (Snelgrove/ Department) 

Christine Vickers- Science Technician (Department/Seals -Started April 2016) 

Xi Xue- Research Assistant I (Rise) 

Administrative Support Staff 

JoAnn Greening- Intermediate Clerk Steno 

Danielle Nichols - Research Marketing Manager 

Marsha Roche- Administrative Staff Specialist III 

Winnie Sparkes - Intermediate Secretary 

CREAIT 

Marc Bolli - Research Computer Specialist (CREAIT) 

Jennifer Hall - Research Assistant II (CREAIT) 

Ken Langdon - Computer Support Technician (CREAIT) 

Jeanette Wells - Research Assistant I (CREAIT) 

Dr. Joe Brown Aquatic Research Building (JBARB) 

Danny Boyce – Business and Facilities Manager 

Jess Fry- Science Technician III 

Kelsie Jennot- Science Technician III 

Jennifer Monk - Science Technician III (Maternity Leave) 

Denise Tucker - Science Technician III 


Cold Ocean Research Facility (CDRF) 

Steven Hill- Manager 

Gordon Nash- Research Assistant 

Nicole Smith- Research Assistant 

Field Services 

Robert O’Donnell- Dive Technician (Retired June 2015) 

George Bishop- Dive Technician 

Andrew Perry- Dive Technician 

Zachery Ryan – Dive Technician 

Laboratory and Technical Services 

Danny Au - Laboratory Facility Technician I 

Robert Cadigan- Facilities Custodian 

Randy Cahill - Facility Custodian 

Chris Canning- Laboratory Facility Technician I 

Michael Carrigan - Facility Custodian 

James Devereaux - Laboratory Services Supervisor 

John Evely- Water Quality Specialist 

Walter Martin- Delivery person 

Damien Whitten - Laboratory Facility Technician II 

Harry Young- Facility Custodian 

Facilities Management 

Ted Smith 

Sean Thorne 

Justin Ronayne 

Technical Services 

Tony Druken- Electrician/Technical Services 

Graduate Teaching Assistants (TA) and Undergraduate Student Assistants- School 

Program 

David Belanger 

Anne Provencher St- Pierre 

Mallory Van Wyngaarden 

Sylvia Fitzgibbon 

Angelisa Denis (Undergrad) 

Nicholas Withering (Undergrad) 


STUDENT ASSISTANTS 

Fall 2015 

Andrea Victoria Arnold- Cormier 

Stephanie Graham- Cormier 

Chelsea Bloom- Cormier 

Winter 2016 

Andrea Victoria Arnold- Cormier 

Kyler Frank- Cormier 

Heather Hiscock- Cormier 

Spring/Summer 2016 

Stephanie Graham- Cormier 

Chelsea Bishop- Cormier 

Arielle Przybyse- Fleming 

Rebeccah Sandrelli- Gamperl 

Silas Jones- Nichols 

Sarah Fontaine- Nichols 

Jillian Conway- Nichols 

Martin Ward- Cormier 

Keith Lennox- Cormier 

MUCEP Students 

Fall 2015 

Chelsea Bloom- Mercier 

Adam Cooke- Parrish 

Heather Hiscock- Cormier 

Hali Moreland- Gagnon 

Brandon Pierce- McGaw 

Kierstyn Riseout- Boyce 

Rebecca Sandrelli- Gamperl 

Nicholas Wittering- Snelgrove 

Michelle Valliant- Mercier 

Winter 2016 

Hali Moreland- Gagnon 

Bradon Piercey- McGaw 

Gerissa Fowler- Fleming 

Michelle Valliant- Mercier 

Spring 2016 

Martin Ward- Cormier 

William Balsom- Gagnon 

Kristi Sellars- Boyce 

ISWEP 

Fall 2015 

Ugochukwu Anyanwu - Nichols 

Winter 2016 

Daniela Yamamoto - Nichols 

Spring 2016 

Adam Cook- Boyce 

WISE 

Grace Clarke- Nichols 

Kate Rowsell- Cormier 

Brianna Puddester- Nichols 

Gwenyth Puddester- Cormier 

Seal Volunteers 

Berit Sellars 

Chelsea Bishop 

Catherine Hooper 

Raylene Noftall 

Abby Robbins 

Claire Pratt 

Julie Carberry 

Angelisa Dennis 

Krystina Lewis 

Heather Hiscock 

Kylar Frank 

Beth Chaytor 

Stephanie Graham 

Victoria Arnold 

Kristen Lo 

Jillian Conway 

Sarah Fontaine 

Alyssa Winsor

Ocean Sciences Annual Report

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