Professor Steven Cooke, Canada Research Chair in Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology and Associate Professor of Environmental Science and Biology, recently received the Tri-Valley (Rideau, South Nation and Mississippi) Conservation Award from the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation in the category of University/College. The award was given in recognition of Dr. Cooke’s commitment to aquatic conservation in eastern Ontario. In their nomination material, the Foundation wrote:
"Dr. Steven Cooke is renowned for his knowledge and expertise in fish biology and is an expert concerning fish passage. He is also recognized for giving his students valuable opportunities to work in the field and support local efforts to gain a better understanding of fish populations and the impacts of water structures (dams, weirs) on fish passage. His willingness to share his skills, along with other staff and students from Carleton University, were indispensable on recent fishway and American Eel projects undertaken by South Nation Conservation (SNC). Dr. Cooke brings cuttingedge knowledge and information to local projects with use of high-tech instruments such as the telemetry work that was done to evaluate the efficiency of the Indian Creek fishway. Students trapped fish downstream, tagged and released fish to determine the migration path upstream during spring freshet. Dr. Cooke also supported the SNC’s research on the American Eel. Dr. Cooke and his staff provided the electro-fishing boat operator, working nights and providing advice that led to a successful project. "
Visit the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation website for more details.