Muskellunge (aka muskies) and lake sturgeon are among Ontario’s largest freshwater fishes and two of the most iconic in the province. Whereas muskies are toothy, exceptionally fast predators akin to the barracudas of freshwater, sturgeon are gentle giants that prefer a quieter, slower existence. Both of these species inhabit the Petawawa River, which originates deep within Algonquin Provincial Park. A proposed hydropower project on the lower Petawawa River in the early 2010s posed a potential threat to these two species. Indeed, the public expressed much concern over the proposed dam’s impacts to these two species, particularly to sturgeon given the cultural importance of this species to the Algonquins. Join Dr. Landsman as he delivers a photo-filled talk of his research team’s fieldwork into Algonquin Provincial Park. Dr. Landsman will also share some key findings that underscore just how special these two species are not only within the Petawawa, but in a broader, more regional context as well.

Speaker:

Dr. Sean Landsman, PhD, Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science

Chicago deep dish pizza, corn, and fish are three things that reflect key elements of Dr. Sean Landsman’s identity. Born in Chicago, Dr. Landsman eventually moved with his family to central Illinois to a community surrounded by cornfields. It was there that he developed a peculiar (by central Illinois standards) passion for fish. Dr. Landsman has a Master’s degree from Carleton University and a PhD from the University of Prince Edward Island for his PhD program. Today, Dr. Landsman is an Associate Professor (Teaching Stream) in the Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science. He teaches courses on integrated science, critical inquiry, fisheries ecology, and science communication. He also pursues fisheries research projects and co-mentors a small number of graduate students. In his spare time, Dr. Landsman enjoys fishing, spending times outdoors with his wife and daughter, and trying to herd his family’s five cats.