Dr. Patrick Gagnon
Research in my laboratory, the Cold Ocean Benthic Ecology Lab (COBEL), aims to elucidate the structure and function of subtidal marine ecosystems in subarctic and temperate regions with current emphasis on shallow rocky ecosystems of eastern Canada. It investigates how environmental variability (including anthropogenic disturbances) affects recruitment, growth, survival, and interactions in native and invasive invertebrates and seaweeds. Our approach combines field and laboratory experiments and observations using scuba diving, underwater photography and videography, wave tanks, remote sensors (airborne and satellite), and GIS tools to extract and merge data across spatial and temporal scales.
Current research themes include:
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Effects of abiotic factors on species interactions;
- Positive interactions and the regulation of subtidal ecosystems;
- Biology, ecology, and ecosystem impacts of marine invasive species;
- Mapping and ecology of marine benthos at broad spatial and temporal scales.
