Duncan Warltier

M.Sc Renewable Resources

Bio

I grew up in the shadow of the Rockies in Calgary, AB. From a young age I became fascinated by the interaction within ecosystems, between biota and the planet, and between humans and ecosystems. My Honours thesis focused  on spatial pattern of fish ecology in hydro-dammed rivers across Canada, looking at how hydro-development can change stream ecology. My research interests are wide and varied, including numerical ecology, spatial ecology, marine biology, stream ecology, stream geomorphology, and investigating how human action affects and degrades Ecosystem Services.

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Research

My current research is a fusion of the lab’s focus and my previous work. I am investigating unique compensatory mechanisms being used for the Romaine River complex on Quebec’s north shore. Building on the work of Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen, my study evaluates the effectiveness of non-financial compensation (Payments for Ecosystem Services) for local communities in the Romaine project. As opposed to standard compensation of a one-time pay off (a non-renewable stock), this project seeks to directly replace fish populations lost due to development (replacing a renewable fund with a renewable fund). Hydro-Quebec is currently proposing to stock local lakes with freshwater fish, and maintain spawning habitat in the lower tributaries of the Romaine for Atlantic Salmon

Degrees received

B.Sc. (Hons) McGill School of Environment – Biological components of Water environments and ecosystems

Awards

2015- McGill Graduate Excellence Award