Past Winner
2020 NSERC E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowships

Temperature changes are having a profound impact on our oceans, forcing marine life to adapt in ways that may change ocean populations for generations. William Cheung studies the effects of climate change on marine biodiversity and fisheries. His work exposes how marine populations are adapting in response to ocean warming, deoxygenation and acidification. His research reveals steps we can take to help marine species and the fisheries that are depend on these resources continue to adapt to our changing planet.

In a breakthrough series of studies, Cheung developed a model that simulates the poleward migration that marine species exhibit when water temperatures warm. When species leave their habitats for cooler waters, people like those living in Canada’s coastal communities face dramatic changes in the ocean resources they depend on, reshaping industries, diets and even local populations.

Now, the UBC expert in ocean sustainability is using his insight into our planet’s evolving marine systems to help us manage the most unavoidable impacts. Cheung is building on his previous work to create a set of general principals to guide governments and policymakers when designing effective interventions to help marine systems adapt to future environmental changes. Thanks to Cheung’s research, we are learning to manage marine and coastal ecosystems sustainably and responsibly, for the health of our oceans and the communities that rely on their resources.

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