Brian Hunt

Dr. Brian Hunt is an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC) within the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, part of the Faculty of Science. His research focuses on pelagic marine ecosystems, particularly their structure, function, and responses to climate change and human activities. The Pelagic Ecosystem Lab, led by Hunt, employs biogeochemical and molecular approaches to study food web dynamics, energy transfer, and biota nutritional health. His work integrates environmental DNA (eDNA), stable isotope analysis, and satellite remote sensing to address questions about ecosystem resilience and anthropogenic impacts.

• Education: Not explicitly listed, but inferred through academic rank and research focus.
• Lab Affiliation: UBC Hakai Professor in Oceanography, emphasizing collaboration with the Hakai Institute.

Key research themes include zooplankton community composition, climate-driven ecosystem shifts, and land-sea interactions. Hunt’s work explores how environmental drivers influence phytoplankton, mesozooplankton, and salmon ecology, with a focus on the Northeast Pacific and subarctic regions. Recent studies address microplastic pollution, fire impacts on freshwater-marine linkages, and the nutritional quality of zooplankton in food webs.

Publications highlight advancements in FAIR data practices, biodiversity mapping via eDNA, and the application of remote sensing to bioregionalization. His research bridges basic science and applied conservation, with implications for fisheries management and climate adaptation strategies.

Labs/Teams: Pelagic Ecosystems Lab at UBC, collaborating with the Hakai Institute and international partners on projects like the International Year of the Salmon initiative.