Nicholas (Nick) Jones

Research Scientist | River and Stream Ecology Lab

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

• PhD University of Alberta, Ecology
• BSc University of Guelph, Pure and Applied Ecology
• Sir Sandford Fleming College, Fish & Wildlife Technology

Office: DNA Building 208B

Phone: 705-875-8298

Email: nicholasjones@trentu.ca

Web: https://streamecologylab.wordpress.com/

Research Interests

The River and Stream Ecology Lab focuses on the ecology and management of flowing waters. Understanding rivers requires a multi-disciplinary approach that incorporates various levels of spatial- temporal resolution. We combine many fields including fisheries science, geography, hydrology, physiology - we are really diverse which keeps things interesting.

Overall, we are interested in understanding the nature of flowing waters.  We focus on characterizing stream networks by their thermal, hydrological, and nutrient regimes so as to understand the relationship between these characteristics and the ecological traits and life history of their biota (e.g., fishes, invertebrates).

We are also interested in the downstream and upstream importance of connections with lakes, with particular focus on resource subsidies and system productivity. Ontario has many lakes that are interconnected by countless streams and rivers. 

Since 2004 we have been studying the ecological influence of hydropower dams and developing a monitoring framework for Ontario.

Much of our research is applied in nature which serves to better the understanding and management of Ontario's flowing waters. Basic science is needed in many cases to answer applied questions.

Aside from a full compliment of field sampling gear, we have a 1000 sqft well equipped laboratory and an additional fish processing room where things can get messy. We also have fish aging and stable isotope prep capability.  We offer considerable in-kind support to collaborators and partners in terms of ecological understanding, field expertise, equipment, and analytical knowledge e.g., GIS and programming.

Selected Publications

Jones N.E., and B.J. Schmidt. 2016. Tributary Effects in Rivers: Interactions of Spatial Scale, Network Structure, and Landscape Characteristics. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 74: 503-510.

Jones, N.E. and Mackereth, R.W. 2016. Resource subsidies from adfluvial fishes increase stream productivity. Freshwater Biology 61: 991-1005.

Jones N. E. 2014. The Dual Nature of Hydropeaking Rivers: Is Ecopeaking Possible? River Research and Applications. 30: 521-526

Jones, N.E. 2013. Spatial Patterns of the Benthic Invertebrate Communities in Regulated and Natural Rivers. River Research and Applications 29: 343-351.

Jones, N.E., and G. Yunker. 2011. Development of a Riverine Index Netting Protocol: Comparisons of Net Orientation, Height, Panel Order, and Line Diameter. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 31:23-31.

Jones, N.E. 2010. Incorporating Lakes within the River Discontinuum: Longitudinal Changes in Ecological Characteristics in Stream-Lake Networks. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 67: 1350-1362.

Jones, N. E., G. J. Scrimgeour, and W. M. Tonn. 2010. Fish Species Traits and Communities in Relation to a Habitat Template for Arctic Rivers and Streams. In: Community ecology of stream fishes. Edited by K. B. Gido and D. A. Jackson. American Fisheries Society Special Publication 73:000-000.

Jones, N. E., W. M. Tonn, G. J. Scrimgeour, and C. Katopodis. 2003. Productive capacity of an artificial stream in the Canadian Arctic: assessing the effectiveness of fish habitat compensation. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 60: 849-863.