Danielle Courcelles

Presently, I am investigating in how alterations of natural flows in streams can affect primary production and consumers. Run-of-river hydropower is becoming increasingly popular in British Columbia as it is arguably less impactful on the environment than coal or oil-based electricity production. Unfortunately, the long-term impacts on ecosystems are not well studied. As coastal tailed frog tadpoles can live up to 4 years in streams, they may be particularly sensitive to run-of-river hydropower operations. Specifically, I am interested in whether sediment deposition is altered during low flow periods in the summer and whether biofilm (upon which tadpoles feed) growth or quality changes. Changes to biofilm growth and quality may result in changes to tadpole growth, affecting their survival. These can have implications to community composition in these coastal stream ecosystems. to work on many collaborative projects ranging from population estimates of amphibians to predator removal experiments. Through these projects, I developed an interest in the conservation of the beautiful landscapes where I often found myself.

After having completed my Bachelors of Science (in the Environmental Science program), I was hired by the BC Conservation Foundation to investigate the potential impacts of run-of-river hydropower on tailed frog tadpoles. This position led to my current endeavor to complete my M. Sc. at the University of British Columbia continuing this investigation.

Courcelles, D., L. Button, and E. Elle. Bee visit rates vary with floral morphology among highbush blueberry cultivars (Vaccinium corymbosum L.). J. App. Entomol. J. App. Entomol. 137 (9): 693-701. PDF 

Munshaw, R., W. Palen, D. Courcelles, and J. Finlay (2013). Predator-driven nutrient recycling in California stream ecosystems. PLOS ONE 8 (3): e58542. PDF

Courcelles, D. (2011). Re-evaluation of the length-weight relationship of Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis). Int. Pac. Halibut Comm. Report of Assessment and Research Activities 2011: 459 – 470. PDF

Atlas, W., W. Palen, D. Courcelles, R. Munshaw, and Z. Monteith (2013). Dependence of stream predators on terrestrial prey fluxes: food web responses to subsidized predation. Ecosphere 4 (6): 69. PDF

Munshaw, R., W. Atlas, W. Palen, D. Courcelles, and Z.M. Monteith (2014). Correlates and consequences of injury in a large predatory stream-dwelling salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus). Amphibia-Reptilia 35 (1): 107-116