Synchronous layered investigation of mucus as an ecotoxicological tool (SLIME)

Funding period: 2024-2029
Leads: Erin Ussery and Mark McMaster
Total GRDI funding: $176,438

This research proposal aims to investigate the impacts of climate change and contaminants (i.e. mercury) on lake trout and forage fish species (pearl dace) of Lake 626 at the IISD-Experimental Lakes Area by assessing stress biomarkers via proteo- and transcriptomic profiles in lake trout and pearl dace epidermal and gill mucus. Lake 626 at the IISD-ELA has been altered from a 4th order lake into a 1st order lake by diverting the flow of water (and thus nutrients) from other lakes and runoff, mimicking the effects of climate change which has resulted in clearer and warmer water with higher light penetration. Researchers aim to compare the mucus and gill proteo- and transcriptomic profiles between Lake 626 (climate change lake) versus references lakes at the IISD-ELA to assess weather fish stress biomarkers are altered based on climate change stressors. Additionally, researchers will take lethal fish health samples (i.e. weight, length, gonad and liver weight, etc.) of pearl dace from the research lakes (coupled with mucus and gill proteo- and transcriptomic profiles) to assess whether the ‘omic profiling is indicative of over-all fish health by assessing these apical endpoints. We will also collaborate with Indigenous community youth scientists of the Kenora Chief Association to determine if non-invasive mucus protein sampling could be a useful community monitoring tool using two culturally important lakes.