Professor Steven Cooke
Steven, Carleton University, is an applied aquatic ecologist who works in both freshwater and coastal marine ecosystems. Cooke has made many contributions to fundamental and applied aquatic ecology and he has a remarkable 800+ peer reviewed publications (at the age of 46). However, Cooke is equally committed to sharing his work with the public and ensuring that the mission-oriented research he does is of relevance to end users, such as policy makers and conservation practitioners. Cooke has broad interests in all aspects of aquatic ecology, conservation biology, physiological ecology, animal behaviour and environmental science. He has been a pioneer in quantifying the consequences of recreational, commercial and aboriginal fishing practices on fish and fisheries. Beyond documenting problems, his work extends to developing and promoting strategies that reduce stress/injury and increase survival through refinement of fishing practices. Cooke is one of the few scholars that works across aquatic realms. His work has led to a greater understanding of the function of aquatic ecosystems, especially how fish interact with their environment, and has also enhanced our ability to manage, restore and conserve aquatic ecosystems. He is a tireless advocate for aquatic ecosystems and develops partnerships needed to undertake science that has achieved significant conservation impact.