Global climate warming significantly alters marine ecosystems by changing species distribution, body size, reproduction rates, mortality rates and the nutritional values of prey for predators. In marine food webs, zooplankton – the small animals in the middle of the food chain – serve as a crucial link between primary producers and fish. Changes in zooplankton communities can have cascading effects on the entire marine ecosystem, impacting fish and fisheries. In the Northeast Pacific Ocean and the Strait of Georgia, warmer-water zooplankton species with lower nutritional value are appearing, posing challenges for fishery management.

This project aims to develop a Standard Operational Procedure (SOP) for assessing the lipid composition in zooplankton, indicating their health and physiological status. By integrating transcriptomics and lipidomics, we will understand how climate change affects zooplankton metabolism and lipid biosynthesis. This approach will enhance Fisheries and Oceans Canada's monitoring efforts, allowing for better management of marine ecosystems and fish stocks.

The project addresses critical needs in marine ecosystem management by providing tools to monitor not just the quantity but the quality of zooplankton as a food source for fish. This is essential for effective fishery management in the face of climate change. The outcomes will support the conservation of marine biodiversity and the sustainability of economically important fish stocks in British Columbia. By developing and implementing advanced monitoring techniques for zooplankton, this project will provide a detailed picture of zooplankton health and adaptability, informing conservation and fishery management strategies vital for the region's economic and environmental well-being.