Adaptations to Acidic Environments

Surface pH of fresh waters can differ dramatically on both spatial and temporal scales in many regions of the planet, presenting many physiological challenges for resident fish species. Acidic lakes and rivers are natural phenomena resulting from permanently or transiently low buffering capacity, and/or high concentrations of organic acids. Atlantic Canada is home to many acidic water bodies that host fish populations, yet our understanding of the evolutionary physiology of these populations is not well understood.

Tusket River Wilderness Area, Nova Scotia

Main Research Questions

1) Do populations inhabiting acidic fresh waters represent physiological diversity that should be managed and protected?

2) Are there correlates between interspecific and intraspecific differences in acid tolerance?

3) Which genes or genetic loci are under selection in acid populations and what can these tell us about the mechanisms of acid adaptation in fishes?

Adaptations to Acidic Environments

Tusket River Wilderness Area, Nova Scotia

We respectfully acknowledge that UNB stands on the unsurrendered and unceded traditional Wolastoqey (WOOL-US-TOOK-WAY) land.

The lands of Wabanaki (WAH-BAH-NAH-KEE) people are recognized in a series of Peace and Friendship Treaties to establish an ongoing relationship of peace, friendship and mutual respect between equal nations.

The river that connects the two UNB campuses is known as Wolastoq (WOOL-LUSS-TOOK), along which live Wolastoqiyik (WOOL-US-TOO-GWEEG) – the people of the beautiful and bountiful river. Wolastoq is also called the Saint John River.

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