Formerly known as the Aquatic Toxicity Workshop (ATW), CEW is Canada’s predominant annual meeting in the field of ecological toxicology and related disciplines.  It provides the opportunity to share information on current and emerging topics of regional, national and international importance related to contaminants in ecosystems, both aquatic and terrestrial. Participants include students, academics, government scientists and regulators, environmental consultants, and industry representatives.

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The Aquatic Toxicity Workshop (ATW) series began in 1974 when a group of toxicologists held a coordination meeting at the Freshwater Institute in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Presentations were made by 23 representatives from federal, provincial, university and private sector groups that included an overview of their research activities and key personnel. This workshop recognized the need for an annual meeting where current and emerging issues can be presented, and to encourage open dialogue between the research sector and regulatory agencies.

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The focus of the workshops expanded from chemical lethality tests on fish and invertebrates to impacts by chemical, physical and biological agents on the integrity of aquatic ecosystems, and the need for proactive measures to protect this renewable resource. Links to wildlife ecotoxicology, sediment/soil toxicity issues and ecosystem science emerged as the field of aquatic toxicology evolved. In 2014, the Board of Directors voted to formally expand the topics addressed at ATW by adopting the operating name of Canadian Ecotoxicity Workshop (CEW).

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These workshops are well attended by researchers and managers from the public, academic and private sectors. Student participation is strongly encouraged through reduced registration cost, mentoring and student poster and paper presentation awards.