The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) and Rio Tinto have expanded their partnership with a $1.75 million funding initiative focused on researching the effects of climate change on water security and freshwater fish in the Nechako Watershed over the next five years. Dr. Stephen Déry has been appointed the Rio Tinto Research Chair in Climate Change and Water Security, building on previous research to enhance hydrometeorological monitoring and develop forecasting systems for river water temperatures. He aims to support communities and industries in adapting to climate impacts. Dr. Eduardo Martins becomes the Rio Tinto Research Chair in Climate Change and Freshwater Fish Ecology, focusing on how water temperature fluctuations affect fish survival. His findings will be critical for fisheries management and conservation policies regarding vulnerable species like salmon and the endangered Nechako white sturgeon.
