O.F.A.H. supports postgraduate students in research

O.F.A.H. supports postgraduate students in research
2010 recipients present research proposals at annual conference

The restoration of native fish and wildlife species to Ontario’s ecosystems is a high priority for the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.). In partnership with the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, O.F.A.H. Zone G and the Oakville Rod and Gun Club, the Federation recently awarded research grants to three Masters of Science candidates, at the O.F.A.H. 82nd Annual General Meeting and Fish and Wildlife conference held in Mississauga. Coincidentally, all three students attend the University of Western Ontario.

Jessica Van Zwol received the O.F.A.H./Toronto Sportsmen’s Show Fisheries Research Grant for her proposal to study the behavioral and hormonal responses of juvenile Atlantic salmon to the presence of naturalized juvenile salmonids, such as rainbow and brown trout. Her work may provide important information to the Lake Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program, a major initiative led by the O.F.A.H. and Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), with major sponsorship from Banrock Station Wines of Australia, the LCBO and more than 30 other contributors.

Robin Churchill was the successful applicant for the O.F.A.H./Oakville and District Rod & Gun Club Conservation Research Grant Award. His project will focus on Inner Long Point Bay, and will study changes in the distribution and abundance of submerged aquatic plants and the Dreissinid mussel. Coastal wetlands associated with the Lower Great Lakes are important waterfowl habitat; and Long Point Bay in Lake Erie is among the most significant. The invasion of exotic invasive species in the Great Lakes such as the zebra and quagga mussels, has resulted in profound ecosystem changes.

The winner of the O.F.A.H./O.F.A.H. Zone G Wildlife Research Grant Award is Everett Hanna. Everett’s project will examine the population size, productivity and migratory habitats of sandhill cranes along the North Shore of Lake Huron. The eastern population of sandhill cranes in northeastern Ontario is an example of a species that is thriving, and their numbers in this region are rapidly increasing.

With over 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 660 member clubs, the O.F.A.H. is the largest nonprofit, charitable, fishing, hunting and conservation-based organization in Ontario, and the voice of anglers and hunters. For more information, visit www.ofah.org.

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