Understanding rates and pathways of energy in ecosystems is critical to understanding function and resilience to ecosystem changes and drivers of production of fisheries.

Previous projects, as well as our ongoing research in the CEE Lab, is focused on identifying mechanisms by which invasive species affect both Great Lakes and inland fisheries. Recently acquired hydroacoustic equipment is facilitating investigations into the application of biomass size spectrum theory to predict fisheries production and the influence of the prey community on foraging patterns of predatory fishes.

Long-standing relationships with the Ontario government and other government and non-government agencies are also facilitating investigations into the role of prey community composition on the optimal life histories of apex predators, spatial and temporal variation in trophic transfer efficiency in the Great Lakes, and the use of biomanipulation in ecosystem restoration efforts.