2013 Annual Report

Research Education Community Technical Services

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RESEARCH, EDUCATION, COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL SERVICES

The River Institute

The St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences is a non-governmental organization established in 1994 as a unique community partnership involving government, education, business industry, and the Mohawks of Akwesasne. Its mandate is environmental research, education, community action, and technical services. With the St. Lawrence River as its natural laboratory, the River Institute undertakes research that contributes to the scientific foundation of how large river ecosystems and their components function. The River Institute has earned an international reputation for its fresh wa-ter ecosystem research projects. Working partnerships with universities governments, industry, and communities allow the River Institute to ad-dress local, national, and international needs. Through its education programs, the River Institute introduces thousands of students to the reality of science, and provides powerful role models for young people considering a career in science. As a learning and discovery centre, it places scientific inquiry into the very heart of the community.

For more information, visit www.riverinstitute.ca follow us on

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Page 1……………………………….Mandate

Page 2……………………………….Table of Contents

Page 3……………………………….Governance

Page 4……………………………….Research

Page 5……………………………….Education

Page 6……………………………….Community

Page 7……………………………….Applied Research / Technical Services

Page 8……………………… ………River Institute at Work

Page 10……………………………...Publications & Presentations

Page 12……………………………...Area Partners

Page 13……………………………...Donors / Sponsors / Partners

Page 15……………………………...Financial

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Matt Windle and his American Eel Research

The River Institute

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31% Donations & Sponsors

23% Fee for Research Services

26% Federal/Provincial Grants

16% Education Fees

3% Conference

3% Interest

32% Research

21% Education

21% Admin. & Fundraising

17% Technical Services

10% Outreach

FINANCIAL

The River Institute

* More detailed financial information can be obtained by contacting the St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences through the website at www.riverinstitute.ca

Revenues 2013 Expenses 2013

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The St. Lawrence River Institute

of Environmental Sciences Board of Directors for 2013

Rik Saaltink (Chair), Mela-nie Baker Brown, Ian Mac-Leod, Bernadette Clement, Gib McIntee, Brian King, Johanne Delves, Elaine Kennedy, Henry Lickers,

Karen Switzer-Howse, Pat Finucan, and Bill Knight

CHAIR OF THE BOARD HENDRIK SAALTINK

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CHIEF RESEARCH SCIENTIST DR. JEFF RIDAL

GOVERNANCE

The River Institute

As we approach the 20th anniversary of the incorporation of the St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences in 2014, I speak for the entire Board in extending heartfelt pride and gratitude to all of the staff and volunteers at the River Institute. What we have created is an organization with a solid foundation of scientific excellence.

This level of excellence is reflected by the recent appointment of our Executive Director, Dr. Jeff RIdal, as the Canadian Co-chair of the Science Priority Committee of the International Joint Commission. I congratu-late Jeff on this prestigious honour and I offer the fullest support of the Board as he undertakes these re-sponsibilities.

At the St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences, research and innovation are fundamental. Our primary assets are the scientists and educators.

When a new scientist joins the Institute, our value is elevated by the expertise and energy that he or she brings. Joining us in 2013 was Matt Windle, a new post-doctoral fellow who is fascinated by all things fishy. His most recent passion is the American Eel. Matt has continued to conduct research over the past year on this endangered species and he has an ability to make eels appealing to everyone. Eel science is just part of what we do to assess the chemical, physical and biological health of the St. Lawrence River and other fresh-water bodies.

Other unique projects in 2013 included a partnership with the Mohawks of Akwesasne to study water quality and biodiversity; and Algae Alert , an ongoing ‘Citizen Science’ project that involved over 50 community vol-unteers collecting samples to help track the incidence of blue green algae. Biodiversity is also at the heart of a new education program supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), Ontario Power Generation and the Raisin Region Conservation Authority. We have also extended our research collaborations with universi-ties and research institutes. These partnerships include new projects planned with the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research at the University of Windsor, Carleton University, and the Ottawa Riverkeeper. These collaborations open new capabilities and broaden opportunities for public engagement and visibility for the River Institute as we celebrate our 20th anniversary.

DONORS / SPONSORS / PARTNERS

The River Institute

Centre Saint Laurent

Eco Canada

Eastern Ontario Water Resources

Committee

Environmental Commissioner of Ontario

Environment Canada

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Great Rivers Centre- Clarkson

University

International Joint Commission

Lower Trent Conservation Authority

National Research Council of Canada

National Water Research Institute

NSERC Undergraduate Student

Research Awards

NSERC Promo Science

Ontario Ministry of Research and

Innovation

Ontario Forestry Association

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture / Food

and Rural Affairs

Ontario Ministry of the Environment

and Climate Change

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

and Forestry

Ontario Ministry of Research and

Innovation

Ontario Trillium Foundation

Public Health Laboratories

Queen’s University

River Quest

Science Horizons

Service Canada

SGS Lake Environmental Services

Shell Environmental Fund

The Harold Crabtree Foundation

University of Ottawa

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERS

Dr. Steven Bacher

Melanie Baker Brown

Gerald Benson

Katherine Burke

Caneau Water and Sewage Operations Inc.

Cornwall Medical Associates

Johanne Delves

Dr. Steven Deneka

Charles Eadie

Don Fairweather

Patrick Finucan

Lydia Johnson

Elaine Kennedy

William Knight

Ed Lumley

Gib McIntee

Ian McLeod

Dr. David Riddell

Rik Saaltink

Karen Switzer - Howse

Dr. Roger Tremblay

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The St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences performs research on freshwater ecosystems throughout Eastern Ontario. These projects help us to understand the environmental problems in our region and to develop solutions. Focus areas in 2013 have included biodiversity, impacts of climate change, near shore issues, and river governance.

2013 Research Projects include:

Mohawk Council of Akwesasne water quality and biodiversity Species at risk in our region

(American eels, bats, turtles, cutlip minnows)

Algae Alert - engaging citizens in science while helping to examine causes of excess algae in near shore areas

Alvar awareness and habitat characterization Studying microscopic diatoms for clues about environmental

change

Predicting and monitoring bacteria at local beaches

Monitoring mercury in walleye

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RESEARCH

The River Institute

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The River Institute

DONORS / SPONSORS / PARTNERS Eric Baker Foundation

The Harold Crabtree Foundation

Bay of Quinte Restoration Council

Brockville Community Foundation

Canadian Pacific Railway

CIBC World Markets Children’s Foundation

Chem Tech Environmental Inc.

Children’s Water Education Council

Community Foundation of Ottawa

Conservation Ontario

Echo Foundation

Enbridge Inc.

Great Lakes Sustainability Fund

Greenfield Ethanol - Johnston Plant

Greenlane Environmental Services

Ingredion Canada Inc.

Tom and Gail Kaneb Foundation

Leeds - Grenville Stewardship Council

Maurice Price Foundation

Seaway International Bridge Corporation

RBC Foundation - Royal Bank of Canada

RBC Blue Water Fund

Schad Foundation

Sunrise Rotary Club of Cornwall

St. Lawrence Testing

St. Lawrence Seaway Development and Seaway Management Corporation

TD Canada Trust

TD Friends of the Environment Foundation

The Catherine and Maxwell Meighan Foundation

The Port of Johnstown

The Trottier Family Foundation

TransCanada Pipeline Inc.

WSP Canada Inc.

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The River Institute

DONORS / SPONSORS / PARTNERS Akwesasne Mohawk Board of Education

Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario

Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce

Cornwall Public Library

City of Cornwall

Clean Air Cornwall

Conseil des écoles publiques de l’est de l’Ontario

Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l’Est ontarien

Cooper Marsh Conservators Inc.

Eastern Ontario Health Unit

Eastern Ontario Training Board

Eastern Ontario Water Resources Committee

Job Zone d’emploi, Cornwall

Laflèche Leblanc Soil Recycling

McDonald Duncan Law Office

Miller Hughes Ford Lincoln

Mohawk Council of Akwesasne

Ontario Power Generation

Ottawa Stewardship Council

Parks of the St. Lawrence

Raisin Region Conservation Authority

Resource Stewardship Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry Council

Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry Science Fair

Seaway News

Service Canada

Standard Freeholder

South Nation Conservation

St. Lawrence College

St. Lawrence Parks Commission

St. Lawrence River Restoration Council

Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal

Township of South Stormont

United Counties of Prescott-Russell

“The River Institute is a leading force in fresh water research.

By merging research work with educational experiences it provides innovative opportunities for young people to get excited about environ-mental science. The River Institute provides the tools and knowledge we need to care for our River and protect this fragile resource.”

Tom Kaneb

Past President of the River Institute

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EDUCATION

The River Institute

At the River Institute, thousands of students learn about fresh water by getting involved in real research with our scientists. During school workshops and internships, they track and moni-tor fish, identify invertebrates, catch and release turtles, and analyze water samples. College and university students work side by side with our research scientists on current research projects. Education programs were offered to students of all ag-es in 2013. These included:

Graduate student placements

Bachelor of Nursing, St. Lawrence College (Laurentian University)

Post Secondary - Environmental Technician Program (St. Lawrence College)

University Student Work Placements International University Student Placement 4 Youth Internships 6 OPG School Programs 73 Secondary and Elementary School Workshops 5 schools and 8 teams for Envirothon

Eastern Ontario Children’s Water Festival in Cornwall, Casselman, and Spencerville with 2000 participants

Special Kids Workshops had 154 participants 5 participants for Rotary Adventures in the

Environment

Over 5000

students had a River

Institute experience in 2013. Bilingual programs take place throughout Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry; Prescott/ Russell and Leeds/ Grenville Eastern

Ontario and Western Quebec

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PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

The River Institute

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COMMUNITY

Day out on Thompson Island with Mohawk Council of Akwesasne

The River Institute

The River Institute promotes environmental awareness and learning in the community through a variety of fun and interactive science programs:

Science and Nature Speaker Series - held monthly at the Cornwall Public Library had 300 participants

Eco-friends Summer Day Camp for 6 -11 year olds, held for 7 weeks at Cooper Marsh

Jr. Scientist camp for 12-14 year olds Community Outreach Programs in partnership with area

youth groups

3 Family Workshops at the OPG Visitor Centre had an attendance of 700 participants

Encore Seniors Workshops

Annual Open House “The River Institute has been a good friend and partner of the Mohawk People over the past 20 years. The research, outreach, and education provided by the River Institute has been most helpful to the Environment Program and helps us fulfill our responsibilities to the River. I am proud to work with such good partners in the spirit of peace and friendship.”

Henry Lickers MCA Environmental Science Officer

Bramburger, A.J., Munyon, J.W. & Gaiser, E.E. (2013). Water quality and wet season diatom assemblage characteristics from the Tamiami Trail pilot swales

sites (Everglades National Park, FL). Phytotaxa, 35pp.

Bramburger, A.J., Hamilton, P.B. & Haffner, G.D. (2013) Effects of a simulated upwelling event on the littoral epilithic diatom community of an ancient tropical

lake (Lake Matano, Sulawesi Island, Indonesia) Hydrobiologia.

Bramburger, A.J., Hamilton, P.B., Hehanussa, P.E. & Haffner, G.D. (accepted). Colonization of artificial substrates by the littoral diatom community of an ancient,

tropical lake. Journal of Phycology. 18pp.

Bramburger A.J., Water: Celebrating World Water Day 2013. St. Lawrence Col-

lege “Green Team” Invited Lecture. March, 2013.

Bramburger A.J., Algae Alert: A community-based approach to understanding harmful algae blooms. Lum Clark Seminar Series, Great Lakes Institute, Univer-

sity of Windsor. Windsor ON. December 2013.

Windle, M.J.S. 2013. The endangered American eel. Oral presenta-tion at the Queen’s University World Fisheries Day Symposium, King-

ston, ON, November 23, 2013.

Windle, M.J.S. 2013. An American eel habitat project in the St. Law-rence River. Oral presentation at the Cornwall Lunker Club meeting,

Cornwall, ON, November 20, 2013.

Windle, M.J.S. 2013. American eels in the St. Lawrence River. Oral presentation at the Science and Nature Speaker Series, Cornwall,

ON, October 23, 2013.

250 Canadian

scientists and engineers

joined with members of the

general public to take part in the 2013 River Symposium hosted by the River Institute at St. Lawrence College

in May 2013

River Rendezvous Community Day at River Symposium at St. Lawrence College

The River Institute

The St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences is available to develop custom applied research and technical appli-cations for organizations, offering a combination of expertise and innovation that has earned an international reputation. Our multidisciplinary team possesses demonstrated knowledge in analytical laboratory services, microbiological testing, environmen-tal monitoring and environmental assessments. This expertise provides organizations with optimal and flexible solutions adapted specifically to meet their needs. River Institute laboratories are accredited by the Canadian Associ-ation for Laboratory Accreditation (CALA) in accordance with the recognized International Standards ISO/EIC17025:2005. As a result of the River Institute expansion of its technical services, a program officially launched on March 16th, 2013, fourteen new projects are currently underway.

Our Technical Services include:

Microscopic Imaging and Identification

Analytical and Technical Laboratory Services

Custom Research and Development Services

Education and Training

For more information on our applied research and technical services go to www.riverinstitute.ca/technical services.

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APPLIED RESEARCH & TECHNICAL SERVICES

Peer-Reviewed Journals

Lessard C.R., A.J Poulain., J.J Ridal., J.R. Doyle, J.M. Blais. A dynamic mass balance model for mercury in the St. Lawrence River near Cornwall, Ontario, Canada. Submit-

ted to Science of the Total Environment.

Ridal, J.J., R. Gauthier, A. Poulain, and E. Yumvihoze. Assessment of Mercury Load-ing Contributions from Municipal Combined and Storm Sewer Outlets to the St. Law-rence River (Cornwall) Area of Concern. Report prepared for the St. Lawrence River Restoration Council, Cornwall, ON and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, King-

ston, ON. June 2013. 15 pp.

Ridal, J.J.and P.V.H. Hodson. Analysis of Methyl Mercury in Lake St. Francis Sedi-ment Samples. Report prepared for the St. Lawrence River Restoration Council, Corn-

wall, ON and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Kingston, ON. Mar 2013, 13 pp

Ridal, J.J.and J. Marty. Status Report for the Fish and Wildlife Restrictions Beneficial Use Impairment for the Bay of Quinte Area of Concern.Report prepared for the Bay

Quinte Restoration Council, Belleville, ON and Environment Canada. May 2013,16 pp.

Ridal, J.J. and C.M. Collard. Report on the 2013 Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Ecosystem Symposium - Protecting Water Ecosystems and Empowering Communi-ties in the St. Lawrence River/Great Lakes. Report prepared for Environment Canada,

June 2013. 23 pp.

Ridal, J.J., R. Gauthier, A. Poulain, and E. Yumvihoze. Mercury Loading Contribu-tions from Municipal Combined and Storm Sewer Outlets to the St. Lawrence River at Cornwall, ON. Presented at the Canadian Association for Water Quality Meeting, Dec

2013.

L. Savard, A. Bramburger, J. Marty, M. Waller Mapping Water Quality at Tributary Mouths and Corresponding Nearshore Areas of Lake St Francis. Report prepared for the St. Lawrence River Restoration Council and the Ontario Ministry of the Environ-

ment. June 2013, 21 pp.

Windle, M. K. Delage and J.J. Ridal.Sediment Mapping in Support of the Sediment Management Strategy for the St. Lawrence River (Cornwall) AOC. Report prepared for the St. Lawrence River Restoration Council, Cornwall, ON and Environment Canada,

Downsview, ON. 5 pp.

Windle, M.J.S., Rose, G.A., Devillers, R., and M.-J. Fortin. 2013. Using spatial indices to assess ecosystem change on the Newfoundland-Labrador Shelf. PLOS ONE, In

Review

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PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

The River Institute

In 2013, 100 eels,

walleye, and turtles were tagged

and fitted with radio transmitters to help us understand their habitat preferences

and track their range of travel

The River Institute The River Institute THE ST. LAWRENCE RIVER INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

RESEARCH, EDUCATION, COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL SERVICES 2013