CEM Receives Funding to Develop Fisheries Risk Calculator
An example of the kinds of fishery life processes being plotted over time and space to assess risk
We’re pleased to announce that our own Drs. McCann and Bernhardt recently received a grant from Fisheries and Oceans Canada to support a proposed Timing Windows project. The goal of this initiative is the development of a user-friendly risk calculator to help assess how human activities—like dredging, shipping, and construction—impact fish and their habitats in Canada’s lakes and rivers. The tool, which will take the form of a Shiny app, will use a tiered approach by using different levels of data availability and quality to recommend optimal timing windows that reduce these risks.
By integrating data on fish spawning, migration, and feeding, alongside human-induced stressors, the tool will provide a comprehensive risk assessment. It will also incorporate historical fish population data and their responses to disturbances, making its recommendations even more reliable. Ultimately, this will ensure that government agencies, environmental groups, and industries working near water can make informed decisions that minimize harm to fish during critical life stages. As such, the early involvement of staff from Fisheries and Oceans Canada has been essential in developing this risk calculator, ensuring its practicality and effectiveness.
One of the most exciting aspects of the project has been the design of an intuitive interface for the resulting app. Not only will users be able to input project details and receive customized guidance on the best timing for their activities, but they can also expect the tool to be continuously evolving as it incorporates new environmental data and research to stay relevant over time.
Dr. Kevin Cazelles, co-founder and data scientist at inSileco Inc., works to ensure the end product of the Shiny app is as user-friendly as possible
To bring this vision to life, the Centre for Ecosystem Management (CEM) has partnered with inSileco Inc., a firm specializing in scientific data analysis. Co-founders Drs. Kevin Cazelles and David Beauchesne are particularly enthused about the project’s potential: “What excites us most is its potential to empower decision-makers with precise, actionable insights tailored to specific ecosystems," they explain. "By incorporating both high-resolution data (e.g., telemetry) and macro-level data (e.g., satellite imagery), the tool can be applied in diverse contexts, from data-rich environments to locations with only limited information. Additionally, the flexibility to integrate user-contributed data and adapt to new findings ensures the tool’s long-term relevance and usability.”
Of course, a project of this scale comes with its challenges. Dr. Cazelles notes that integrating data from various sources into a unified framework and designing an interface that balances usability with complex analytics has been no small feat. Still, the team remains dedicated to overcoming these hurdles to ensure the tool is both powerful and accessible.
A screenshot of the Shiny app still in its development stage
Ultimately, the Timing Windows project represents a significant step forward in protecting aquatic ecosystems while accommodating necessary human activities. By combining solid ecological science with practical decision-making tools, it will support sustainable practices that protect vital water environments. Stay tuned for the official launch of the Shiny app!