SESSION LIST
View the list of sessions at CEW Victoria.
Click a name for contact info.
1. Innovative Applications of Digital Technologies in Environmental Assessment and Management
Digital technologies shape the way we collect, interpret, communicate, and act on environmental data. In response to the rapid acceleration of technological advancements, we are hosting this session to provide a platform to share and discuss how the latest trends in digital technology interact with our profession. Our goal is to showcase innovative applications of these technologies in the assessment, monitoring, and management of aquatic and terrestrial environments. We aim to spotlight not just what tools are being used but how these tools are being applied. We invite presenters and audience members to think about how technologies can be applied to solve problems in our work (think efficiency, precision, quality) and to consider the practical and ethical considerations for integrating technology into our practice (think bias, data sovereignty, quality). By convening this session, we aim to facilitate knowledge exchange, foster collaboration, and inspire thoughtful innovation in the application of digital technologies.
2. Life on the Coast: Assessing the Effects of Environmental Contaminants on Coastal Organisms
Danielle Philibert (Huntsman Marine Science Centre)
Coastal zones are home to a diverse range of marine life and are at increased risk of exposure to both anthropogenic contaminants and environmental stressors. In coastal habitats effluents from wastewater and industry merge with the presence of harbors, marinas, fisheries, and rivers’ outlets, facilitating the transport and accumulation of additional anthropogenic-derived pollutants. Assessing the potential effect of these environmental contaminants - such as pesticides, plastics, PAHs, dioxins, PFAS, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products - on coastal organisms is of extreme importance. In addition to chemical threats, coastal environments are among the most sensitive areas to climate change. Therefore, marine coastal organisms face additional environmental stressors, with possible additive, synergistic or antagonistic effects. The stress posed by phenomena such as marine heat waves, acidification, and hypoxia appears to strongly modulate the accumulation and toxicological effects of contaminants. This Session welcomes contributions on the effects of emerging contaminants and/or climate change on marine organisms (vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, microalgae), utilizing novel methods from in vitro to in vivo studies. We encourage submissions dealing with investigation of case studies, integration of multi-stressors, and implementation of remedial action plans. Here, we provide the stage for early career to experienced scientists, who want to share data on the current knowledge and understanding of anthropogenic stressors in the coastal environment, highlighting the gaps that need to be addressed.
3. Behavioural Toxicology in Aquatic Species: Linking MoA to Populations
Keith B. Tierney (University of Alberta)
Behaviour integrates sub-organismal responses into outcomes apparent in the movement of the individual. Behaviour also is a means by which animals integrate into populations and ecology. For this reason, behavioural responses can represent a middle out approach in ecotoxicity modelling. The goal of this session is to bring together researchers working on aquatic contaminants, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, metals, hormones, to translate their behavioural effects to ecological outcomes. A focus will be to include mathematical modelers to translate behavioural phenotypic changes to population alterations. This focus is also tied to another key goal of this session: addressing the urgent need to incorporate behavioral endpoints into regulatory decision-making and ecological risk assessments. Given the impacts of chemicals on migration, mate choice, reproduction, feeding and anti-predator behaviors, it is striking that very little attention has been given to behavioral endpoints by regulatory agencies for the marketing of new chemical products and in the design of risk assessment frameworks. A theme will be to explore the interactive or mixture effects of multiple contaminants and abiotic stressors, such as those related to pH, temperature, salinity, UV radiation, and greenhouse gas emissions. While we will likely have some emphasis on animal models, we hope to present research from other Kingdoms as well, such as Plantae. Additionally, we aim to have focus on imperiled species, introduced species, and hybrids.
4. Wildlife Ecotoxicology: Exposure, Accumulation, and Effects
Raphaël Lavoie (Environment and Climate Change Canada)
Shane de Solla (Environment and Climate Change Canada)
Laurianne Richard (Institut national de la recherche scientifique)
Free-ranging wildlife species are directly exposed to a wide range of contaminants, commonly via diet, but also through airborne or waterborne sources. Most toxicity studies focus on exposure to individual contaminants, but there is an increasing urgency to evaluate the effects of exposure to contaminant mixtures in relation to environmental stressors such as diseases, nutritional status, climate change, etc. Vertebrates and invertebrates are useful bioindicators of ecosystem alteration to chemical and non-chemical stressors. Ecotoxicological studies are providing a comprehensive evaluation of wildlife and habitat health. This session on wildlife ecotoxicology will focus on the impacts of environmental contaminants on wildlife health from the cellular to the population level. Researchers from various disciplines are invited to present their work on a wide range of topics, involving field studies, including bioaccumulation, trophic transfer, spatial and temporal studies, and assessment of wildlife health. Studies that apply methods commonly used in controlled environments—such as Adverse Outcome Pathways and New Approach Methods—within field-based programs are encouraged. These studies can offer strong inferences and predictions regarding the exposure and toxicity of contaminants to free-ranging wildlife. This session offers an opportunity to exchange ideas and insights on the complex challenges facing the study of wildlife toxicology and its potential implications for chemical regulation in commerce, conservation, and ecosystem health.
5. Amphibian and Reptile Ecotoxicology
Herpetofauna are collectively the most threatened group of vertebrates on the planet. Amphibians and reptiles face a multitude of threats from habitat loss and fragmentation to infectious disease and invasive species. Despite the prevalence of pollution sources in habitats of at-risk species in Canada, environmental pollution is often underestimated as a potential threat. In this session, we highlight recent advances in amphibian and reptile ecotoxicology and explore how to better integrate ecotoxicology into conservation and management of herpetofauna in Canada. We invite presentations concerning: (i) chemical contamination of aquatic and terrestrial habitats of amphibian and reptile species in Canada; (ii) exposure, uptake, transformation, bioaccumulation and/or elimination of xenobiotics by herpetofauna; (iii) sublethal effects of environmental pollutants on amphibians and reptiles at any scale of biological organization; (iv) molecular tools for rapid toxicological screening of wild amphibian and reptile populations; and (v) case studies where ecotoxicological knowledge has been effectively applied to conservation and management of herpetofauna.
6. Ecotoxicology of Species at Risk
Stacey Robinson (Environment and Climate Change Canada)
Mark Bidwell (Environment and Climate Change Canada)
Like other wildlife, many of Canada’s over 800 Species at Risk (SAR; including arthropods, molluscs, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) are exposed to environmental contaminants introduced intentionally or as by-products of agriculture, oil and gas production, manufacturing and other industries. Many such contaminants, including metals, plastics, and organic compounds such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, can have direct or indirect physiological or behavioural effects on wildlife including mortality, endocrine disruption, immunosuppression, and increased susceptibility to disease. Relative to other wildlife species however, risk to SAR of population-level effects, including viability, from exposure to environmental contaminants may be higher given their limited population sizes, growth rates, and geographic distributions. Moreover, data on exposure and effects of contaminants on SAR are generally lacking, due to their rarity and challenges involved in sampling tissue and/or conducting laboratory studies. Therefore, other tools are needed to study potential impacts of contaminants on SAR: environmental sampling and non-invasive sampling to assess exposure; proxy species to identify mechanisms of action and individual health effects; and modeling to predict potential population-level effects. This session invites contributions from scientists working on any aspect of risk, exposure, or effects of environmental contaminants on SAR, with a special focus on challenges, opportunities and novel solutions.
7. Marine Mammals at Risk: Characterizing Contaminant-Related Threats to Enable Conservation Strategies
Tanya Brown (Simon Fraser University)
Robert Letcher (Carleton University and Environment and Climate Change Canada)
Antoine Simond* (Université du Québec à Montréal and Simon Fraser University)
Marine mammals are increasingly facing unprecedented and multiple threats due to chemical pollution and climate change. The limited access to good quality tissues, the impossibility of performing experiments in laboratory conditions, and the frequent occurrence of confounding factors (e.g., climate change, age, reproductive levels, feeding) make the establishment of cause-and-effect relationships, and the study of the impact of pollution on marine mammals at the individual and population-levels extremely challenging. This leads scientists to generate and study increasingly large datasets on marine mammals, their prey, and their ecosystem using sophisticated tools such as Omics, non-targeted chemical analyses, and Bayesian-based models in order to get a global overview and a deeper comprehension of the impact of contaminants on marine mammals and its ecosystem. The rationale for this platform session is driven by the urgent need to expand our knowledge, understanding, and mitigation strategies related to the impact of chemical pollutants on marine mammal populations and their ecosystem, but also to foster collaborations and inspire innovative solutions for protecting those iconic species from chemical pollution by sharing successful case studies and lessons learned. We encourage speakers to present innovative and multidisciplinary research that fills knowledge gaps related to at least one of the four themes of the session, namely, (1) the impact of long-term exposure of contaminants on global marine mammal health (immune, endocrine, and central nervous systems), (2) the impacts of pollution and anthropogenic pressure on marine mammal ecosystems, (3) the use of cutting-edge research/methodologies contributing to the discovery of new chemicals (non-targeted analyses), and a more holistic understanding of the impact of pollutants on the health of marine mammals (e.g., multi-omics approaches, non-targeted analyses, non-invasive sampling approaches, in vitro bioassays), and (4) innovative conservation strategies that aim at protecting marine mammals and their habitat from chemical pollution and better implementing effective policy frameworks. By examining the ecological impacts and conservation challenges associated with chemical pollution, we can work towards a sustainable future for both marine mammal species and their fragile habitats.
8. Advancements in Endocrine Disrupting Chemical Research and Testing
Natural and anthropogenic chemicals can disrupt various aspects of the endocrine system of animals. Traditionally, the field of endocrine disruption has focused on chemicals that possess Estrogenic, Androgenic, Thyroidal, and Steroid biosynthetic (EATS) modes of action resulting in adverse effects on physiological processes such as growth, development, and reproduction. However, there is growing recognition that chemicals can possess non-EATS modes of action such as disruptions associated with the corticosteroids and their receptors, retinoic acid receptors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), insulin receptors, gastrointestinal hormones, cardiovascular-related hormones, etc., but these are poorly understood. In addition, there is growing recognition that exposure to EDCs during sensitive windows of development can have adverse effects that manifest later in development and across generations of progeny. Thus, there continues to be a need to understand the modes of action by which EDCs work as well as development of new approach methodologies to assess the risk of these chemicals. This session invites contributions related to identification of novel EDCs, modes of action of EDCs, and development of methodologies to identifying and estimating the adverse health risks of environmental chemicals exhibiting EATSs and non-EATs modalities to wildlife.
9. Novel Approaches and Applying Environmental Relevance to Aquatic Toxicity Testing
Laboratory-based ecotoxicity test methods using representative taxa are developed and validated by researchers and standardization organizations (e.g., ECCC, USEPA, OECD). Data from these methods are used in applications including environmental monitoring, risk assessments, regulatory frameworks, and contaminated site management. There is a growing interest to include underrepresented taxa, new technologies, and alternative biological endpoints rather than traditional endpoints (survival, growth, reproduction) in these applications, which has led to new method development. This session will focus on innovative approaches for assessing the toxicity of complex mixtures or contaminants of concern in aquatic media (freshwater, saltwater, sediment). Novel methodologies and applications of ecologically relevant single-species tests are of particular interest, as well as tests using alternative endpoints (e.g., biochemical/physiological measurements, behaviour, development, endocrine disruption), cell lines, and ‘omics. This session will also encompass the application of test methods and the interpretation of test results in an environmentally relevant context. Many ecotoxicity studies are performed in controlled conditions following standardized guidelines, removing many factors from experiments that could influence the applicability of data to real-world environments. Studies that go beyond standardized testing by applying additional environmental relevance are of particular interest, including multiple stressors, seasonal changes, wild species, mesocosm studies, and incorporating community-driven priorities. By understanding what current test methods are missing, we can adapt regulatory and risk assessment practices to utilize novel methods, improving the environmental relevance and applicability of ecotoxicity studies. The target audience for this session includes researchers using existing test methods or developing new testing techniques, and risk assessors or regulators using these data. We believe most CEW attendees are interested in increasing the environmental applicability of their research and would come away from this session with lessons that could be applied to their own work.
10. Advancing Ecosystem Monitoring with Environmental DNA and RNA: Emerging Tools in Ecotoxicology and Conservation of Coastal and Inland Habitats
Valérie Langlois (Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique)
The application of environmental DNA (eDNA) and environmental RNA (eRNA) is transforming ecosystem monitoring by providing high-resolution data for biodiversity assessments, pollution impact studies, and environmental monitoring. This session will focus on the expanding role of eDNA and eRNA tools in coastal and inland habitats, with a particular focus on their integration into ecotoxicology and conservation science. eDNA enables comprehensive detection of species presence and community composition, while eRNA offers valuable insights into organismal responses to environmental stressors, enhancing our understanding of ecosystem health and resilience. As these approaches gain wider acceptance, refining methodologies, improving data reliability, and standardizing analytical workflows remain critical challenges. This session aims to promote recent advancements in eDNA and eRNA technologies, discuss best practices for sample collection and processing, and present validation strategies to enhance confidence in biodiversity assessments. Studies demonstrating their application in ecotoxicology monitoring will highlight the utility of these techniques for assessing environmental stressors and informing regulatory frameworks. Key discussions aim to address the integration of molecular data into decision-making processes, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations among academia, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to enhance monitoring strategies. By bringing together experts in biodiversity conservation, ecotoxicology, and environmental management, this session will promote knowledge exchange and encourage innovation in the adoption of eDNA and eRNA for ecosystem assessments. This session welcomes researchers, practitioners, and policymakers engaged in environmental monitoring, conservation, and regulatory science. To ensure diverse participation, outreach efforts will target leading eDNA and eRNA research groups across multiple sectors, leveraging established professional networks from previous CEW conferences. Through interdisciplinary discussion, this session aims to advance the role of molecular tools in evidence-based environmental management and conservation policy.
11. Weaving Indigenous Knowledge and Western Science to Resolve Coastal and Inland Water Quality Issues
This session would invite talks that describe Indigenous-community driven science and how Indigenous Knowledge (on its own or woven with western science) is being used to monitor water quality, inform policy and management decisions, or characterize risk to aquatic life and inland aquatic or coastal ecosystems. Indigenous knowledge and the information being generated is recognized as holistic, site specific, and deeply meaningful to place; it can be used to facilitate shared decision making and this session would provide a venue to share successes and challenges across Canada. The goals are to: 1) Inform the audience about the valuable work Indigenous communities are doing to characterize and protect aquatic ecosystems; 2) Share ideas for monitoring and policy work; 3) Inspire discussions about ways that Indigenous Knowledge and western science can be woven; and 4) Demonstrate how Indigenous-community driven science can inform natural resource decision making.
12. Mining and the Environment
Environments adjacent to mining operations are the focus of a wide range of chemical and biological monitoring, toxicity testing, and research studies. This includes studies to meet regulatory requirements (e.g., Environmental Effects Monitoring required under the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations), baseline monitoring to inform environmental assessments, monitoring required under various permit conditions, remediation and reclamation, community-based monitoring programs, and academic research. The session could include presentations on a range of topics including study designs, results and interpretation of monitoring studies, new developments in toxicity testing and environmental monitoring, regulatory requirements, community-led monitoring, and integration of Indigenous knowledge. The session could also include presentations on monitoring in the terrestrial environment. The goal of the session is to provide an opportunity to share new, emerging, or innovative monitoring methods and research for aquatic and terrestrial environments of relevance to mining, share perspectives on mining-related environmental monitoring requirements, and explore the interface between environmental monitoring and Indigenous knowledge in the context of mining. The target audience spans all sectors including government, stakeholders/rights-holders, consulting, industry, and academics.
13. Latest Advances in Fate and Effects of Metals in the Natural Environment
Canada holds vast mineral resources that are in increasing demand, notably due to their use in low-carbon technologies (e.g. electric vehicle batteries). Over the past decade, important markets have emerged for metals whose ecotoxicity remains poorly understood (e.g. platinum group metals). An environmentally responsible exploitation of these resources requires sound scientific understanding of their fate and potential effects in natural ecosystems. The goal of this session is to bring together scientists from different sectors and expertise, to discuss recent developments in metal environmental chemistry and toxicology, that will help address existing and emerging challenges related to metal contamination. We invite contributions on the fate and effects of metals under varying environmental conditions (e.g. varying salinity, pH), multi-stress scenarios (e.g. metal x heat stress), metal mixtures toxicity, new mechanistic understanding of metal uptake and toxicity, as well as on emerging methods for assessing metal exposure and toxicity (e.g. metabolomics, genomics). We particularly encourage contributions on emerging metals of concerns, on long-term (chronic) toxicity, and on the incorporation of science-based concepts into environmental risk assessment frameworks (e.g. metal bioavailability approaches).
14. Advances in Environmental Quality Guidelines and Benchmarks
Ali Azizishirazi (BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship)
Joanne Little (Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development)
Environmental quality guidelines (EQGs), objectives, and other benchmarks are foundational elements of risk assessment, environmental management, and state-of-the-environment reporting. In recent years, significant strides have been made in improving the relevance and applicability of these tools, with a focus on refining the science behind their development. This session will explore the latest advancements in the development of EQGs, objectives, and benchmarks, addressing the complexities of environmental conditions and evolving scientific understanding. Key developments include the incorporation of multiple toxicity-modifying factors, improved methods for accounting for bioavailability, the use of field data to validate guidelines and benchmarks, and the inclusion of behavioral and genomic endpoints. The goal of this session is to highlight these advancements and raise awareness about the ongoing progress in developing individual guidelines, objectives, and benchmarks that are scientifically sound and contextually relevant. This session will appeal to a diverse audience of professionals involved in developing, applying, and managing environmental standards. It will be of particular interest to regulators, consultants, industry representatives, and academics seeking to better understand the evolving landscape of environmental quality criteria.
15. Challenges and Opportunities: Derivation of Site-Specific Water Quality Objectives and Effluent Quality Criteria
Canada's freshwater and marine ecosystems host a diversity of aquatic environments with wide variation in their species assemblages. While Canada and many provinces have developed generic water quality objectives for parameters of concern, the opportunity exists to develop site specific objectives, providing a more appropriate level of protection to resident species and in support of local uses. While standardized approaches are available, development of Site-Specific Water Quality Objectives (SSWQO) and Effluent Quality Criteria (EQC) will just as often follow a flexible, case-by-case derivation process. This session will explore the complexities of these processes, illustrating how objectives and criteria are developed to address the unique environmental conditions of individual sites. While these objectives and criteria play a vital role in protecting aquatic ecosystems, there is often ambiguity surrounding their acceptance by regulatory bodies. Through this session, we aim to provide clarity on how SSWQOs and EQC are developed, the factors that influence their determination, and the challenges associated with their regulatory acceptance. Our goal is to offer practitioners-including consultants, industry representatives, and government regulators-a deeper understanding of the guidelines' development process. Presenters will provide insights into various approaches to developing objectives and criteria, and foster discussion on the obstacles in gaining regulatory approval. A key goal of the session will be for participants to discuss real-world examples, share experiences, and propose solutions to common challenges in the development and acceptance of SSWQOs and EQC.
16. Using Ecotoxicity Data for Site Management and Remediation
Environmental risk assessment tools have been proven to facilitate sustainable land management practices. Specialized aspects of environmental risk assessment can include biological and toxicological lines-of-evidence, site-specific standards, risk-based remedial targets, de novo toxicity reference values (TRV), and other tools that require extensive literature review and ecotoxicological data compilation for their development. However, data gaps exist that are a result of minimal ecotoxicity studies conducted on a wide range of contaminants involving ecological receptors such as amphibians, reptiles and birds. With more such ecotoxicological studies, there can be improved development of environmental risk assessment tools, allowing for a more holistic protection of the environment. Goals: This session will focus on sparking conversations about the importance of ecotoxicological studies and how they can support environmental risk assessment tools. This session will also discuss the need for research that examines toxicological effects that have impacts at a population level (e.g., endpoints that reflect growth, reproduction, mortality-to-near-mortality). Case studies on environmental risk assessments and/or guideline development, including the data gaps identified, with their application in land/site management can be presented during this session.
17. Holistic Protection of Aquatic Ecosystems – Modern Sediment Quality Assessment
Jasen Nelson (BC Ministry of Environment and Parks)
Shannon Bard (Science Advisory Board for Contaminated Sites)
Marc Cameron (Science Advisory Board for Contaminated Sites)
This session would comprise two parts: 1) Panel of select speakers to present on key topics, and 2) Moderated workshop where panel members and the audience participate in an engaging discussion regarding the key topics. Key topics may include - Widespread contamination of sediment-based ecosystems; examples of the best available science, best practices and holistic goals for modern sediment quality assessment; examples of collaborative approaches for protection of sediment-based ecosystems; and approaches for developing modern sediment quality criteria. The moderated workshop component may incorporate the panel members and will be an interactive discussion focused on key topics, to promote wide engagement by the audience members to participate in the workshop objectives (i.e., Community based knowledge sharing and learning; Consideration of approaches for holistic protection of aquatic ecosystems; and Development of a robust scientific framework for updating sediment criteria): • Workshop Topic 1: Benefits, limitations and other considerations related to best available science, best practice and holistic protection goals for aquatic ecosystems. • Workshop Topic 2: Benefits, limitations and other considerations related to approaches for developing sediment quality criteria. • Workshop Topic 3: Can sediment quality criteria include consideration of cumulative effects without being overly conservative? • Workshop Topic 4: Additional key considerations in developing sediment quality criteria to protect aquatic ecosystems, such as emerging contaminants, climate change, inclusion of food web transfers and higher trophic organisms, etc.
18. Microplastic Science in Canada: Advancing Knowledge, Monitoring and Solutions
Microplastic pollution has emerged as a major global environmental concern, with these tiny ‘structural pollutants’ comprising particles smaller than 5 mm. Several Canadian labs have contributed to an important international body of scientific literature, having detected microplastics in air, snow, water, and sediments, as well as invertebrates, fish, seabirds and marine mammals. This session will address current gaps and opportunities in research and monitoring and encourage a solution-oriented opportunity for Canadian researchers. The proposed session co-chairs are pioneers in the microplastic research community, and are well connected with academia, government and industry players across Canada. Co-chairs propose to attract notable participation from key researchers from across Canada through targeted invitations, and a candidate partnership with federal plastic policy makers in Ottawa.
19. Risks from Mercury in Aquatic Ecosystems - A Holistic Perspective
The objective of this session is to discuss risks from mercury in fish from a holistic perspective. Fishing and eating fish are good for people’s health, and they have economic and cultural value. Policy initiatives to promote fishing and eating fish as a healthy and sustainable food source exist nationally and internationally, and fish consumption among the general Canadian population is increasing. However, all fish contain mercury, and levels of mercury in fish are increasing, even though mercury emissions are declining globally and in North America. Public health advisories on how much fish people can safely eat have been common since the 1970s, but research shows that these advisories can (1), have a net negative effect on people’s health by causing them to unnecessarily avoid eating fish and (2), contribute to food insecurity and related health disparities. Topics discussed in this session will include: •Monitoring mercury in aquatic systems •Temporal/spatial trends in levels of mercury in fish and key environmental variables that influence these levels •Fish consumption and exposure to mercury among Indigenous and non-Indigenous people living in Canada •Indigenous perspectives on mercury in fish and food security and •Evidence-based solutions for improving the efficacy of public health communications about the risks of mercury in fish. By convening this session, we hope to better equip scientists, resource managers, and policy makers to: •Recognize key environmental variables that influence levels of mercury in fish; •Understand and communicate the environmental, health, and cultural benefits of fish as a sustainable food source and the importance of food security; and •Balance these benefits with the potential environmental and health risks of mercury in fish.
20. PFAS Pollution in Wildlife: Contamination, Exposure, and Toxicity
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic chemicals that pose a major risk to human and wildlife health. Their desirable chemical properties, such as oil and water repellency, have made PFAS a stable component in modern manufacturing. However, it is these very properties that make them environmental pollutants of great concern. Decades of unchecked use and disposal means that they are now ubiquitous in the air, water, and ground. Additionally, PFAS or “forever chemicals”, are notorious for their environmental persistence. Some well-studied PFAS have the capacity to bioaccumulate and subsequently biomagnify up the food chain, which may increase the likelihood of adverse health effects for higher trophic level organisms, including humans. All these factors combined indicate that PFAS are a chemical group in dire need of monitoring and subsequent research. The goal of this session is to highlight recent work surrounding PFAS pollution in wildlife and their associated food webs. Considering the growing concerns about the persistence and toxicity of these pollutants, this session focuses on better understanding the exposure and toxicity of these chemicals to less studied wildlife (birds, etc.). Currently, three PFAS subtypes are listed under Section 64 of CEPA 1999. However, as there are over 4,700 different PFAS subtypes, it is crucial to continue to research these chemicals to allow for future management decisions. Therefore, this session encourages submissions from researchers studying short- and long-chain PFAS and their exposure, effects, and toxicity to wildlife. Our target audience includes policy makers, government and university scientists, academics, consultants, and local stakeholders.
21. Radionuclides in Ecosystems
Claude Fortin (Institut national de la recherche scientifique)
Richard Goulet (CanmetMINING, Natural Resources Canada)
Mandy McConnell (Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission)
Marilyne Stuart (Canadian Nuclear Laboratories)
Océane Hourtané* (Institut national de la recherche scientifique)
Canada is one of a few countries actively involved in the full nuclear fuel cycle, which includes uranium mining and milling, fuel refining and fabrication, CANDU nuclear power generation, medical isotope production and associated waste management. Canada has also committed to the development of small modular nuclear reactors, as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while providing grid-scale electricity generation and non-grid heat and electricity for heavy industry and remote communities. CANDU reactors yield low-, intermediate- and high-level radioactive waste containing activated and fission radionuclides while small modular reactors may yield different fission products based on the type of fuel used. In comparisons, uranium mines and mills typically release daughter radionuclides from the U-238 decay chain. Many of the same radionuclides associated with uranium mines and mills are also released by a number of other industries, such as the extraction/processing of non-uranium ores (thorium, rare earth elements, niobium, phosphates, base metals), oil and gas production, and the mining and combustion of coal. In Canada, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission regulates the management of uranium mining and milling effluents, tailings and waste rock as well as low-, intermediate- and high-level radioactive waste. Waste management decisions being based on ecological risk assessments, furthering research is therefore critical to science-based decision-making to protect ecosystems, including humans. This involves characterization of natural background radioactivity, as well as the transport and behaviour of anthropogenic and naturally occurring radionuclides in the environment. The goal of this session is to provide a venue for Canadian researchers, regulators, and industry representatives to share their research and other advances in radiological environmental fate and effects characterization and ecological risk assessment. The session serves as an opportunity to exchange lessons learned among the ecotoxicological, and radiological research and regulatory communities. In addition to the diverse topics described above, we particularly invite contributions that cover: •Adverse Outcome Pathways modelling to structuring future radiological research; •Research in support of new environmental quality guidelines derivation; •Environmental fate and effects of radionuclides and incorporation into the regulatory framework; and •Radiological risk assessment and accompanying field studies.
22. Environmental Impacts of Rubber Tires: 6PPD-Quinone and Beyond
Sarah Marteinson (Fisheries and Oceans Canada)
Markus Brinkmann (University of Saskatchewan)
Rebecca Dalton (Environment and Climate Change Canada)
Tire and road wear particles (TRWPs) contain a complex mixture of substances which can enter the environment through atmospheric, terrestrial and aquatic pathways, making them a growing global concern. One of these substances, 6PPD-quinone, a transformation product of the common tire antioxidant 6PPD, was found to be abundantly present in the environment, putting a spotlight on this novel group of contaminants that appears to be particularly lethal to some salmonids. Research is rapidly developing on refining analytical methods, expanding environmental monitoring and elucidating mechanisms of action and cross-species sensitivities. For this session, we invite contributions in any of these research areas, as well as presentations relating to human and ecological risk assessment, environmental mitigation, remediation strategies and community initiatives. Within scope are not only presentations focused on 6PPD-quinone but also other tire wear derived substances, transformation products, proposed 6PPD alternatives, and the tire wear particles. This session will be aimed towards presenting the current state-of-the-science after 5 years of 6PPD-quinone-related work and point towards the next important lines of inquiry. This will be the 4th session on this topic at CEW and will be aimed towards continuing to foster interdisciplinary collaboration between various stakeholders including researchers, regulators, industry environmental practitioners, non-governmental organizations, and Indigenous Peoples.
23. Like Oil and Water: Effects and Management of Oil and Natural Gas Pollution in Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems
Canada’s wellbeing is tightly intertwined with the oil and gas industry, heating our homes, fuelling our commutes, and contributing to our economy. Operations in both sectors continue to grow, exemplified by the expansion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline, and the approval of several new liquified natural gas facilities in British Columbia. The ongoing possibility of accidental contamination, the complexity of contaminant mixtures, and the societal implications of industry regulation demonstrate the importance of ecotoxicological research in this area. The last CEW to host a session about the ecotoxicology of oil spills was in 2022, and the goal of the proposed session for 2025 is to maintain and reignite momentum in oil and gas industry contaminant research among Canadian ecotoxicologists. Additionally, we intend to provide a platform for sharing data regarding risk assessment and impacts of contamination on communities. Topics for presentation and discussion will include toxicity to wildlife, fate in the environment, geochemistry, analytical techniques, risk assessment and site management, and remediation. Presentations and conversations on community impact, especially on Indigenous communities, are encouraged. This session is locally relevant to Victoria and relates directly to this year’s theme of integrating ecotoxicology and management, both inland and offshore. It provides an opportunity to discuss Canada’s economic health and fuel generation practices while maintaining ecological integrity. Moreover, the oil and gas industries are often discussed together, so including topics from both areas will bring together researchers who may not always operate in the same circles. Our target audience for both speakers and attendees include those from academia, industry, government, and consulting. We will reach out to known researchers in the field, inviting them to attend and encouraging them to spread the word to their students and collaborators who may not have attended a toxicology workshop before, such as chemists.
24. Chemical Spills in Rivers and Streams
Pollution is a major threat to freshwater quality in Canada. This session will showcase recent research and advancements in the knowledge of chemical spills in lotic environments (rivers and streams, excluding continuous effluent releases or run-off). Examples of how chemical spills can occur in lotic environments include pipeline releases, train derailments, storage facility leaks, and mine tailings breaches. There is a lack of studies on chemical spills in lotic environments and there is a need to better understand the fate and effects of various chemicals in these environments for their management. The goal of this session is to bring together students, early career scientists, and professionals from government, academia, non-governmental agencies, and industry to share their research on the fate, behavior, and effects of chemical spills in rivers and streams. This session invites presentations on a variety of chemicals and mixtures. The objectives of this session are to disseminate research, facilitate mentorship, and support building research partnerships, collaboration, and networks.
25. Pesticides in the Environment: Ecotoxicity, Monitoring, Fate, and Risk Assessment
This session explores the environmental fate and transport of pesticides, focusing on their presence, behavior, and risk assessment. Data on water monitoring and modelling of pesticides in the environment are encouraged. Ecotoxicity data will also be a key focus, highlighting effects on nontarget organisms and ecosystem functions. The session will explore standard as well as novel approaches in ecotoxicological studies, such as biomarkers and -omics technologies. We welcome contributions bridging laboratory studies and field observations, innovative strategies for mitigating pesticide impacts, as well as advancements in environmental risk assessment methodologies for pesticides. The session aims to foster dialogue among researchers, regulators, and industry professionals to enhance understanding of pesticide behavior and improve risk assessment practices.
26. General Ecotoxicology
This session is meant for attendees wishing to present their work in ecotoxicology if it does not fit into any other CEW session.
SHORT COURSES
Stay tuned for more short course announcements and registration details!
Short Course #1
How Environmental DNA (eDNA) and Environmental RNA (eRNA) can Assist Ecotoxicology Studies and Environmental Impact Assessments
Instructors:
Dr. Valerie Langlois (INRS)
Dr. M. Louie Lopez (University of Victoria)
FULL DAY COURSE The analysis of genetic material shed from organisms into their environment in the form of environmental DNA (eDNA) and RNA (eRNA), also collectively referred to as environmental nucleic acids (eNA), are highly promising for environmental surveys and impact assessments to provide rapid, non-destructive, accurate and cost-effective biodiversity information. This short course will help students new to eNA as well as those with experience or wanting to incorporate eNA into decision making to examine multiple considerations of the use of eNA in the field and lab. Specifically, through the newly developed curriculum of the iTrackDNA (www.iTrackDNA.ca) Training Modules, this course will interactively address the following aspects, while referring to current best practices, guidelines, and standards: 1. iTrackDNA Part 1: Sampling - Introduction to eDNA and eRNA - The iTrackDNA research initiative - Principles of eNA survey design - Sample collection and preservation 2. iTrackDNA Part 2: Sample Preparation and Analysis - Methods of eNA extraction - Methods for eNA detection (qPCR, Metabarcoding) 3. iTrackDNA Part 3: Data Interpretation - Quantification methods - Factors influencing eNA detection - Methods for reducing contamination - Controls to assess assay performance, false positive and negative risks - Survey results reporting and interpretation 4. iTrackDNA Part 4: The Future of Regulation - eDNA standards and guidelines - Incorporation of eDNA results into decision-making, regulatory compliance, and policy activities
Short Course #2
Career Planning in Ecotoxicology
Instructors:
James Elphick (Pacific WQ Consultants)
Melanie Gallant (Hatfield Consultants)
HALF DAY COURSE The CEW conference attracts participants that have a focus on environmental science and who’s backgrounds represent a wide range of career choices and trajectories. For example, at last year’s conference, participants identified themselves as being from academia, industry, consulting, government, and commercial laboratories, and include specialists and generalists. This short course will bring together presenters representing this range of work histories to provide participants with perspective and practical advice on how to identify the characteristics that would make them well suited to different career choices.