Colin J. Brauner

The primary goal of my research program is to investigate environmental adaptations (both mechanistic and evolutionary) in relation to gas-exchange, acid-base balance and ion regulation in fish, integrating responses from the molecular, cellular and organismal level. The ultimate goal is to understand how evolutionary pressures have shaped physiological systems among vertebrates and to determine the degree to which physiological systems can adapt/acclimate to natural and anthropogenic environmental changes. This information is crucial for basic biology and understanding the diversity of biological systems, but much of my research conducted to date can also be applied to issues of aquaculture, toxicology and water quality criteria development, as well as fisheries management.

Current Research Areas of Interest

1) Gas exchange, haemoglobin and red blood cell function in fish

2) Physiological role of the gills during development and in early vertebrate evolution

3) Patterns of acid-base regulation in fishes and adaptations for air-breathing in fish

4) Optimizing rearing conditions for fish in net-pen and recirculation aquaculture systems

5) Mechanisms resulting in nephrocalcinosus in salmon aquaculture

6) Effect of elevated environmental CO₂ and elevated temperatures on fish physiology and conservation

7) Effects of elevated total dissolved gases on gas bubble trauma in fish

8) Effect of road salt on early life stages of Pacific salmon