JOHN REYNOLDS NETS AWARD

SFU biologist John Reynolds to be honoured with Murray A. Newman Award for significant achievement in aquatic research.

Simon Fraser University biologist John Reynolds, an internationally-known expert on biodiversity and fish ecology, will be honoured in March by the Vancouver Aquarium for his far-reaching contributions to aquatic research.

Reynolds, who holds the Tom Buell BC Leadership Chair in Aquatic Conservation at SFU, is being recognized with the Murray A. Newman award, given to leading researchers and conservationists who have made invaluable contributions to understanding and conserving Western North America’s aquatic systems.

Reynolds is being recognized for his ground-breaking research linking theories in ecology and evolution to fisheries management and conservation.  His research ranges from impacts of climate change on fisheries to methods of assessing extinction risk.  Much of his research focuses on salmon, including a long-term study on in B.C.’s Great Bear Rainforest, which demonstrates how integral the fish are to coastal ecosystems,as prey for wildlife and as a source of nutrients from their carcasses after they spawn.   

Dean of Science Claire Cupples notes: “At SFU, we’re so impressed with John’s significant contributions to fish science and ecology. This work is critical to our province and it’s immensely gratifying to see him honoured by the Vancouver Aquarium.”

Reynolds says: "I'm honoured to receive this award from the Vancouver Aquarium.  My research program on aquatic conservation is highly collaborative, and I owe a great deal to the many wonderful graduate students and colleagues I've worked with over the years."

The award will be presented at a gala reception at the Vancouver Aquarium on March 3.