The Devil’s Element

A four-year pre-construction study in Lake Erie used passive acoustics and fish telemetry to evaluate the environmental impacts of an offshore wind project, setting a model for future energy development.

Fish in the Great Lakes produce a variety of sounds for communication and reproduction; bioacoustics offers a powerful tool to study their behavior, ecology, and responses to environmental change.

Anthropogenic noise from shipping and boating is an emerging stressor in the Great Lakes, masking fish communication and causing physiological stress, yet remains largely unregulated.

Passive acoustic monitoring offers a non-invasive, continuous method to track freshwater biodiversity and behavior, addressing risks and biases associated with traditional sampling methods.

Underwater microphones detected low-frequency "thunder" sounds from spawning lake sturgeon in the Detroit River, revealing their spawning timing and sensitivity to ship noise.

A 15-month acoustic recording in Lake Superior revealed seasonal soundscapes dominated by boat traffic in summer and ice cracking in winter, highlighting the need to monitor noise impacts on sensitive species.

Ali Reza Shahvaran uses remote sensing and satellite imagery to model and monitor algal blooms in western Lake Ontario, informing nutrient management and decision-making.

Emilie DeRochie coordinates the St. Lawrence River Strategy, fostering inclusive communication and collaboration between Indigenous communities and stakeholders along the river.