Scientific advisor and researcher at the Biodome since 2009, Nathalie R. Le François is an oceanographer and fish ecophysiologist. She seeks to understand how fish respond to environmental constraints by studying their physiological and behavioral reactions.
- Oceanographer
- Fish ecophysiologist
- Adjunct Professor, Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR) and Université Laval
- Scientific advisor
Affiliations:
- Quebec Centre for Biodiversity Science (QCBS)
- Association Aquaculture Canada (AAC)
- Association of Aquatic Life Support System Operators (AALSO)
- Member of the Copper Redhorse recovery team
- Ressources aquatiques Québec (eRAQ)
- Quebec Charr Research Unit (UROQ)
- Discover her writings on our blog
- Explore her scientific publications on Google Scholar
Areas of research and expertise
- Ecophysiology of sentinel fish species in cold environments (Anarhichadidae, Salmonidae, Gadidae, Notothenioids: Nototheniidae and Channichthyidae (mackerel icefish))
- Conservation physiology in fish
- Identification of stress markers in wild and cultured fish
- Physiological adjustments and dietary restrictions in fish (Salvelinus sp. and Anarhichas sp.)
- Development of bioremediation techniques for aquatic environments: macroalgae culture, biofilters, and sulfur-based denitrification
- Reproduction and embryogenesis in Chaenocephalus aceratus (blackfin icefish; mackerel icefish) and Notothenia coriiceps (black rockcod)
- Aquatic life support systems, aquaculture, and sustainable development
Education
Doctorate – Oceanography, 1998
INRS Océanologie/Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR)
Bachelor’s – Biology, 1991
UQAR
Contributing to the preservation of cold-climate fish
Nathalie R. Le François is a specialist in cold-climate fish species that are exploited, threatened, or cultured. Her research focuses on understanding their life cycles, physiological needs (reproduction, nutrition, growth, etc.), and how they respond to stressors. She also studies their ability to adapt to changing environments.
By maintaining fish under optimal, controlled conditions, the researcher explores species using an approach inspired by conservation aquaculture. She also investigates the behavior of American lobster and snow crab, aiming to find alternatives to traditional bait in commercial fisheries.
For example, her research examines the links between climate change and the decline of Anarhichadidae and icefish species. Her findings can help authorities make informed decisions for their protection and management or support recovery programs.
At the Biodôme, she contributes to developing aquatic life support systems and cultivating macroalgae.