This is the first comprehensive study of the emerald shiner in the Niagara River, eastern Lake Erie, and western Lake Ontario. It includes investigations into the life history, genetics, habitat utilization, migration, and the role in the food web of this valuable species. Funding has been provided by the Niagara Greenway Ecological Standing Committee and by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
The focus of the project is on the important role of the emerald shiner in the Niagara River as it supports and connects the ecosystem through food web interactions, creating an interdependence among all organisms in the river. Therefore, any improvements made in the Niagara River for shiner habitat and passage radiate outward, benefiting the whole ecosystem.
This project is unique and multi-disciplinary, and it coordinates with other projects running concurrently. Our research team is collaborating with the following universities and organizations.
