Integrative
physiology has long been a strength of UBC Zoology, but has largely been
practiced in the laboratory. Advances in electronics and in computer science,
especially minaturization and wireless communication, make it possible to
conduct rigorous physiological studies on animals behaving normally in their
natural environment. This will
allow zoologists to speak with authority about the effects of environmental
changes on many diverse species. Remote monitoring consists of two types of
sensors, those attached directly to the animal that provide that provide
physiological, behavioural and local environmental data, and those that are
satellite based, providing data on animal movement and distribution as well as
changes in environmental factors on a large sacle.
The simultaneous collection of these types of data will allow zoologists
to examine questions at various levels of organization. For instance, from the
same data set, a researcher and collaborators can investigate osmoregulation of
salmon as they encounter changing salinity, and also examine the effect of
global climate change and increasing ocean temperature on salmon feeding ecology
and distribution. Zoology and UBC would benefit from the interdisciplinary
nature of an integrative or adaptational physiologist remotely monitoring
aquatic vertebrates that would provide a strong link to areas of current
strength in Zoology: physiology, aquatic biology, ecology and evolutionary
biology, as well as to a number of other UBC Departments or research groups.
Collaborations
would be required in several areas: Electrical Engineering to take advantage of
rapid developments in miniature, low-power electronics for incorporation into
tools for remote monitoring; Computer Science, Applied Mathematics: continuous,
remote monitoring results in high volumes of data that require sophisticated
techniques of data compression, visualization and analysis. UBC Fisheries
Centre, Fisheries and Oceans Canada: Collaboration will be needed on management
of aquatic ecosystems and predator-prey interactions. Geography, Forestry: These
departments have expertise in remote environmental sensing and analysis of
habitat use, especially through use of Geographic Information Systems. Medicine:
Key aspects of medicine in the 21st Century will be medical
informatics and telemedicine. The technology that will allow remote connection
of physicians and patients is identical to that needed for remote monitoring of
free-ranging animals. Private Sector Electronics Firms: Satellite and other
types of wireless communication are growing rapidly in BC and there are
opportunities for new interprises in developing commercial technologies for
remote monitoring.