Mark Poesch

Mark Poesch, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Alberta, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on aquatic conservation, fish and fisheries management, ecohydrology, and ecosystem modeling. He specializes in freshwater systems, addressing species imperilment through studies on anthropogenic disturbances such as land-use change, hydrologic alteration, climate change, and invasive species.

Dr. Poesch’s work spans Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories, and Ontario. He develops innovative assessment methods, including functional diversity metrics and habitat connectivity models, and contributes to restoration strategies like habitat offsets. His research integrates field studies, laboratory analyses, and broad-scale data to address conservation challenges.

• Key Roles: Associate Editor of the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, member of COSEWIC Freshwater Fishes Subcommittee, and leader in recovery teams for endangered species like the Mountain Sucker and Redside Dace.
• Education: PhD (specific institution not explicitly stated).
• Teaching: Teaches courses on fisheries management (REN R 376), directed research (REN R 402A/B), and advanced management strategies (REN R 476/576/771).
• Community Engagement: Leads initiatives like Tracking Change (indigenous youth engagement) and U School, introducing students to fish biology.

His research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining ecological science with policy and traditional knowledge to address freshwater biodiversity threats. Current projects include assessing Prussian carp invasions, climate change impacts, and habitat mitigation strategies.