Pitcher Lab Research

evolutionary & Reproductive Ecology

Our lab studies wild fish populations to better understand evolutionary biology and reproductive ecology and we apply this information to; (1) improve captive breeding programs for endangered species, (2) increase fitness of hatchery reared fish and (3) produce sustainable salmon via aquaculture.

Great Lakes restoration ecology

Our lab works with various stakeholders including (among others) DFO, OMNRF, USFWS, USGS and other university researchers to restore native fish populations to the Great Lakes basin for sport fisheries and conservation programs.

species at risk and reintroduction biology

Our lab works with a variety of stakeholders to better understand reintroduction biology and captive breeding of Canadian endangered fish species. We are currently actively captively breeding species at risk fishes and we are studying reintroduction biology for freshwater fishes, frogs and snakes.