Activities at the Entomological Societies'
meeting
The 2002 joint annual meeting of the Entomological Society of Canada and
the Entomological Society of Manitoba took place in Winnipeg 5–9 October
2002. The meeting was attended by more than 200 people. Many student members
attended and there were 27 entrants for the student paper competition. Items
in the program or associated with it included:
A plenary session in accordance with the meeting theme of Insects and
humans: confrontation and coexistence.
Symposia on “Human impacts on forests: consequences for human
populations”, “Crops as new habitats for insects: canola as a case study”,
“Biological control and native flora and fauna”, “Pheromones:
understanding the chemical language of insects”, “Illuminating the ‘green
box’: challenges in quantifying the impact of insect herbivores”, “Arthropods
of Canadian grasslands: ecology and interactions in grassland habitats”,
and “Practical problems when implementing biological control”.
Workshops on “North American dragonflies” and “Delia species as
pests of crops in Canada”.
Submitted papers in three sessions.
A student paper competition, in three sessions, for the President’s
prize of the Entomological Society of Canada.
An extensive poster session.
The ESC Heritage Lecture, given by Dr. Dan Johnson, entitled “The
history of grasshopper outbreaks and research in Canada”.
The ESC Gold Medal Address given by Dr. Bob Lamb.
Governing Board and Annual General Meetings also took place, the Gold
Medal and other honours were awarded, and there were many opportunities
for informal exchange of information, including an opening mixer and a
banquet.
The Survey’s grasslands symposium
The symposium on “Arthropods of Canadian grasslands: ecology and
interactions in grassland habitats”, organized by Dr. Terry Wheeler on
behalf of the Survey’s grasslands project, was well attended. It
illustrated the range of grasslands and the many questions that are of
interest about the insect faunas of these habitats, especially their ways of
life and their interactions with other elements there.
Attributes of Canada’s diverse grasslands. J.D. Shorthouse
Trophic guilds of higher Diptera in xeric Yukon grasslands. T.A.
Wheeler, S. Boucher
Spiders (Araneae) collected in a tallgrass prairie in southern Manitoba
and their importance to prairie conservation. D. Wade
The use of fire as a biodiversity and conservation management tool on
tallgrass prairie. R.E. Roughley
Ponds in prairie habitats: a changing dynamic illustrated by predaceous
water beetles. M. Alperyn
Temporal changes in the grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acrididae) fauna of
Alberta grassland, in response to fire, weather and vegetation changes. D.L.
Johnson
The following titles include some of the papers of faunal interest that
were presented in various other scientific sessions, including posters.
(Interesting treatments on a range of other subjects also were presented in
the various sessions.)
Assessing the impacts of global climate change on forest insects. J.A.
Logan, J. Régnière, J.A. Powell
Can butterflies be used as reliable indicators of diversity at the site
and landscape level in managed spruce and pine forests? R. Westwood, N.J.
Holliday
Abundance of Lygus bugs in canola grown adjacent to alfalfa. H. Cárcamo,
J. Gavloski, J. Soroka, J. Otani
The effect of plant-insect interactions on interspecific competition
within a component community of phytophagous insects. M.L. Crowe, R.S.
Bourchier
Recruitment of natural enemies to an introduced bark beetle. N. Rudzik,
S.M. Smith
Nontarget effects of host-specific biological control agents on native
species. D.E. Pearson, Y.K. Ortega, K.S. McKelvey, L.F. Ruggiero, R.M.
Callaway
Community level effects of burn season (spring, summer, fall) on the
spider (Araneae) fauna of tallgrass prairie in southern Manitoba. D. Wade
Complexity of component communities associated with a stem gall on wild
roses among geographic gradients in Northern Ontario. S. Offman
Non-target effects in biological control: a food web approach. J. Memmott
Biological control of the winter moth (Operophtera brumata) in Canada:
interaction between introduced parasitoids and generalist predators. J.
Roland
Non-target risk assessment in classical biological control of arthropods:
the perspective of a practitioner. U. Kuhlmann
Impact of an introduced scolytid on its native competitor and natural
enemy complex; can identifying a ‘predator gap’ help justify classical
biocontrol? S. Smith
Post-release revelations on the host range of a root weevil. R. De Clerck-Floate
Gene flow between genetically divergent populati ons of Pissodes strobi.
R. Laffin, D. Langor, F. Sperling
Thinning the boreal forest: do bark beetles benefit? C. M. Simpson, M.L.
Reid
Tracking diversity patterns in boreal forest succession with beetle
trophic guilds. P. Paquin
Diversity of saproxylic beetles along a forest successional pathway: from
wildfire to old-growth to harvesting. J. Jacobs, J. Spence
Effect of regeneration type on the ecological diversity of carabid
beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in black spruce forests (Picea mariana) in
eastern Manitoba. L. Capar, A.R. Westwood
Effects of Mimic® (tebufenozide) applications on the diversity of
non-target Lepidoptera in Manitoba’s boreal forests. D.E. Saunders, A.R.
Westwood
Comparing the diversity of carabid beetle populations (Coleoptera:
Carabidae) in burned and harvested aspen-dominated forest stands in western
Manitoba. J.K. Shaddock, A.R. Westwood
Carabids in tall fescue forage grass and response to different nutrient
inputs. D.A. Raworth, M.C. Robertson, S. Bittman
Habitat composition versus habitat structure: evaluating coarse filter
strategies for maintaining invertebrates in boreal forests. T.T. Work, J.R.
Spence, J. Volney, K. Cryer
Lice (Phthiraptera) infesting Manitoba’s provincial bird, the great
gray owl, Strix nebulosa. T.D. Galloway
Blow flies associated with pig carcasses in Nova Scotia. D.B. Strongman,
G. Simpson, H.N. LeBlanc
Larval morphology of the Hygrobiidae (Coleoptera: Adephaga: Dytiscoidea)
with phylogenetic considerations. Y. Alarie, R.G. Beutel
Application of molecular tools for conservation: the case of blink
Cicurina (Araneae: Dictynidae) from Texas caves. P. Paquin, M.C. Hedin
Dispelling myth and hyberbole: the distribution and relative abundance of
two invasive funnelweb spiders, Tegenaria agrestis and T. duellica (Araneae,
Agelenidae) in Canada and the United States. R.S. Vetter, A.H. Roe, R.G.
Bennett, C.R. Baird, L.A. Royce, W.T. Lanier, A.L. Antonelli, P.E. Cushing
The relative abundance of native coccinellids in Manitoba before and
after the appearance of the seven-spotted lady beetle (C7), Coccinella
septempunctata L. I.L. Wise, W.J. Turnock
The spatial dynamics of a host-parasitoid community. B.H. Van Hezewijk,
J. Roland
Lygus spp. (Heteroptera: Miridae) as a pest of buckwheat in Manitoba. B.
G. Elliott, I. Wise
Dragonflies: Flagships of Canada’s wetlands. P.S. Corbet
The dragonflies of northern British Columbia: field surveys, collections
development, conservation and public education. R. Cannings
Alberta Odonata: a growing fauna, and a growing interest. J. Acorn
Odonata in Manitoba: diversity and transition. B. Elliott
Acquisition and management of data on Odonata for conservation study. P.M.
Brunelle
Dragonflies at the edges: studies of Odonata along the PEI coast and some
northern rivers. D.J. Giberson, M. Dobrin
The parasitoid guild of Delia radicum in canola in the Canadian Prairies and
Europe. K.S. Hemachandra, N.J. Holliday, U. Kuhlmann
Biological control of orchard leafrollers using indigenous parasitoids. J.E.
Cossentine, E.K. Deglow, L.B.M. Jensen
Identification of parasitoids from Lygus spp. in Saskatchewan. M. Ashfaq, M.
Erlandson, L. Braun
Phylogeny of Aphis L. species (Hemiptera: Aphididae) using microsatellite
flanking region sequences. R. Foottit, E. Maw, R. Barrette
Parasitic wasps (Hymenoptera) of filth flies (Diptera: Muscidae) in dairies
in Ontario and Quebec. G.A.P. Gibson, K.D. Floate
Piecing together the life cycle of Brychius sp. Thomson (Coleoptera:
Haliplidae) found in Manitoba. T. Mousseau, R.E. Roughley
Salt marsh caddisflies: discovery of the larva and larval habitat of
Limnephilus ademus in salt marshes in Prince Edward Island, Canada. O.S.
Flint, D.J. Giberson
The Scientific Committee met in Ottawa on October 17–18, 2002
Scientific Projects
1. Grasslands
Dr. Kevin Floate provided background about the reorganization at Agriculture
and Agri-Food Canada, the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) and the
Biodiversity theme, and possible avenues for funding grasslands work within
these frameworks. The Survey agreed to encourage contacts with Agriculture
and Agri-Food Canada about such matters. Dr. Wheeler thought that the
funding issue seems to be the most serious obstacle to the grasslands
project. He would like to see new interest in doing grassland work. Dr.
Danks pointed out that even if the project could not obtain large funding,
it could proceed in the same way as the Yukon book and other Survey
projects, whereby individuals apply for their own funding for subprojects.
Dr. Wheeler reported that the symposium on “Arthropods of grasslands:
ecology and interactions” was held at the annual meeting of the
Entomological Society of Canada. The symposium was attended by up to 50
people and the good talks helped to increase the profile of the project.
Letters of invitation to potential authors for the first grasslands volume
(with a title similar to that of the symposium) would soon be sent out. More
potential authors would also be contacted to confirm their availability and
interest.
Dr. Roughley explained that the planned grasslands field trip to the tall
grass prairie reserve in July 2002 had been rained out. A trip might be
feasible to the same area another year, but it might be better to cover new
territory such as the Peace River or palouse grasslands in southern British
Columbia. Other details would be discussed further at a meeting of the
Grasslands subcommittee after the current meeting.
2. Family keys
A project to produce keys for all the insect families of British Columbia,
which had earlier been stopped when funding was withdrawn, has now received
another year’s funding from FII (Forestry Innovation Investment Program).
Apterygote and exopterygote keys should be finished soon, allowing
production of the Canadian key by adding to the provincial data.
3. Arctic invertebrate biology
Dr. Ring drew the Committee’s attention to the article he had written for
the Arctic Corner of the Survey newsletter (see Newletter 21(2): 64–66).
This had coincided with a letter-writing campaign by the Association of
Canadian Universities for Northern Studies. Both of these activities
addressed the imminent collapse of Canadian polar science. Despite that
view, Dr. Ring noted that some arctic-related work is going on. At the
January 2003 annual meeting for the Society for Integrative and Comparative
Biology there will be a CSZ symposium on biology in the Canadian arctic [see
p. 19]. Dr. Ring circulated a book on Natural History of the Western Arctic
now published, which includes a chapter on insects of the western Arctic.
Dr. Ring noted that the Canadian Navy is sending two ships to the Arctic to
establish sovereignty. He pointed out that the government is missing an
opportunity to establish sovereignty – at the same time as supporting
research in the Arctic – through researchers in the field.
4. Insects of Keewatin and Mackenzie
Dr. Currie reported that the third installment of this project took the form
of a canoe trip along 300 km of the Thelon River by five cooperators. This
area is an arctic oasis containing trees and other organisms well north of
their typical range. A preliminary report of the Thelon River trip was
published in the Survey newsletter. An expedition next year is likely to be
farther east. Dr. Currie welcomed participants for future expeditions (see
p. 12–13).
5. Seasonal adaptations
Dr. Danks reported that this project continues with the recent publication
of papers on the range of insect dormancy responses and on the modification
of adverse conditions by insects. A paper on insect photoperiodism and
rhythmicity (from a 2002 International Japanese-Czech meeting) is in press.
He had also accepted an invitation to present a paper (the only one on
insects, considering the seasonal adaptations of arctic insects) at the
symposium on Biology of the Arctic to be held in Toronto in January at the
meeting of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology.
Other scientific priorities
1. Invasions and reductions
The Committee reviewed a number of relevant projects including information
about alien Hemiptera, and introduced crayfish, gall wasps, and other
organisms. Several members of the Committee are cooperating to evaluate how
to use coccinellids as a model to investigate invasive species. Data from
the CNC have been received and protocols to get all the specimen data in a
similar format are being discussed. Broader issues will be addressed as part
of the future planning for this project. The theme of the Entomological
Society of Ontario meeting in October 2002 is invasive species and insect
biodiversity.
2. Survey web site
Dr. Danks reported that major updates include a section on ‘Specific
sources of funding’ added to the ‘Biodiversity Funding’ brief, the
Spring and Fall BSC newsletters including additional photographs for the
article on the Thelon River expedition, and the 2002 Grasslands newsletter.
A number of minor corrections and edits were also made. The site meter,
started about two years ago, has logged about 8400 hits. The online database
of workers has been upgraded and the Survey has been soliciting updates.
Despite some difficulties caused by an overall redesign (unknown to the
Survey) that took place soon after an extensive mail-out to solicit entries,
numerous updates have been received.
Members of the Committee commented that the website is an amazing resource,
for example for reference to briefs and for educational use. The Insect
Dormancy book, which is now out of print, can be downloaded. Colleagues have
congratulated the Survey on its excellent and generous site.
3. Arthropods and fire
Current and earlier studies of arthropods and fire, for example in Manitoba
and British Columbia, were described. Several themes or hypotheses that
could be used to focus a symposium or synthetic document were noted. Dr.
Roughley agreed to lead such an initiative when he finishes his sabbatical
next year.
4. Voucher specimens
Information and examples were provided about the deposition policies of
museums, good and bad voucher policies (including historical examples) and
journal policies about voucher statements in published papers.
A complete draft of the Survey brief on voucher specimens had now been
prepared by Dr. Wheeler, and would soon be available for final review by the
Committee. The Committee also noted the absence of voucher requirements at
any stage in the process of consultant work. There is no requirement for
vouchers, no requirement for independent confirmation of identifications,
and no requirement to verify consultant qualifications. Unfortunately too,
many studies are not generated by the desire to gain knowledge but by some
other requirement, which is not conducive to good science.
5. Monitoring of continuing priorities
Information on earlier or currently less active Survey projects was
reviewed, including arthropod ectoparasites of vertebrates, arthropods of
the Yukon, arthropods of the Queen Charlotte Islands (Haida Gwaii)
(including an international symposium on introduced species), arthropods of
special habitats, climatic change, and agroecosystems.
Under arthropod ectoparasites, it was noted that considerable funds are
being directed to monitoring of the West Nile Virus and its potential
mosquito vectors in Ontario, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Manitoba and elsewhere. A
cause for concern is that the Ontario government is now considering
spraying, which is likely to be ineffectual because these mosquitoes are
container-breeding. The organism responsible for Lyme disease, transmitted
by ticks, has been found in Nova Scotia.
Under arthropods of the Yukon, mention was made of an unusual web site at
http://www.ec.gc.ca/Bisy, comprising a compilation of the aquatic insects
collected in the Yukon as a result of the request by Environment Canada to
companies for environmental assessment and collections for baseline
evaluation and impact assessment (but excluding data from books, museums or
journals). Most of the identifications were made by a consultant. The site
has limited context and the species lists appear to be very incomplete.
Under agroecosystems, mention was made of a Quebec guide to cranberry pests
(now available in English) and a website on the bees of Maritime Canada
[http://res2.agr.ca/kentville/pubs/bees-abeilles_e.htm]. Talks at the
Entomological Society of Canada annual meeting showed clearly the importance
of biodiversity and taxonomy in identifying potential biocontrol agents for
pest species.
6. Other priorities
The Committee also discussed actions and information about old-growth
forests, endangered species, damaged ecosystems, faunal analysis, Survey
publicity and other subjects.
Liaison and exchange of information
1. Canadian Museum of Nature
Dr. Mark Graham, Director, Research Services, reported on activities from
the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Canada is a member of GBIF [www.gbif.org].
The organization has a staff of 14 and there are 21 member countries. It is
working collaboratively with other international entities. The aim is to
co-ordinate information on biodiversity so that member countries can share
and access it in a format that everyone can use. The budget for staff and
operations is $3 million but this is not enough money to assist all
countries in establishing an information node or electronic portal to
distribute a country’s biodiversity information. One work program aims to
digitize information on the natural history specimens on earth. Another
program aims for a complete list of all species names. GBIF will have
programs to grant seed money. Canada hopes to be in a position to apply for
some of that money. In response to questions, Dr. Graham stated that GBIF
will primarily be funding research on how to make information available, i.e
informatics. It is proposing to have funds available to obtain content but
will only fund up to 20% of a total project up to $50,000 (U.S.).
The Museum is starting a new 5-year planning focus targeted to better
address issues of relevance to Canadians. A cross-Canada survey was
undertaken by an outside company. The main natural history topic that people
are concerned about is environmental change and what impacts the
environment, which therefore will be a key issue for the CMN for the next 5
years. Dr. Graham reported that the CMN is helping to organize a consortium
of natural history museums. Members of the Committee expressed their hope
for the success of the natural history consortium and encouraged the Museum
to continue to take the lead on this initiative. However they also pointed
out that GBIF parallels a similar pattern over previous years with NBII,
CANBII, CBIN, BCIN and BKIN where substantial funds were used to hold
meetings and build frameworks but no money ever filtered down to doing real
science on specimens where the money is really needed. Therefore, scientists
not directly involved in these projects are starting to view them with
cynicism and ultimately these initiatives will lose the support that they
need from grass-roots scientists. It was also pointed out that although
known data can be entered there may well be hundreds of undescribed or
poorly known species too. It will take a lot of time and money to get the
data on these other species to a stage where they can be put into
informatics schemes, which otherwise will always be seriously incomplete
resources. Moreover, people must get credit for the work of providing
information for these databases. However, organizations such as the
Integrated Taxonomic Information System do not give such acknowledgements on
their sites.
2. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Dr. Gary Gibson reminded the Committee that the research branch of
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, including the group formerly known as
ECORC, is undergoing a reorganization. All research personnel now work under
one of the national programs. Within each program there are themes and
studies. All the systematists in Ottawa (as well as some professionals from
elsewhere) have been assigned to the Biodiversity theme within the program
of Environmental Health.
A systematic entomology position is currently being staffed at the Canadian
National Collection, the first new one in 12 years. Three positions have
been approved but funding is available for only one. Dr. Gibson explained
that visiting scientists, students, etc. working unattended after hours at
the Centre must now receive security clearance and therefore at least 2
weeks notice is required to complete the paperwork.
All documents including scientific ones on federal government websites must
now be available in both official languages, a requirement that has had
repercussions on projects such as the in-progress Ticks of Canada
publication (intended for publication on the web). Even information that is
available must be translated, resulting in delays as well as difficulties
because of the technical nature of the material. Members of the Committee
noted other consequences of the requirement for French and English versions.
For example, at Environment Canada many primary publications have been
removed from the web because they were not available in both languages.
Scientists are also forbidden from even listing the titles of their
publications unless they are available in both languages.
3. Entomological Society of Canada
Dr. Gibson reported on behalf of Society President Dr. Sandy Smith about the
recent annual general meeting held in Winnipeg. He also outlined the changes
that have been made at the Canadian Entomologist. Effective 2003, the
journal will be available online, to members only, through NRC Press.
Members will first have the option of receiving it electronically or in hard
copy or both for the usual membership fee. In subsequent years members will
have to pay a surcharge to receive the journal in both formats. Institutions
will not receive the electronic format until 2004. Effective immediately
there is a new editorial structure for the journal. Formerly there was an
Editor and associate editors. The editor will continue to receive papers
initially but will then forward papers to the appropriate division editor.
There will now be four divisions, each with its own editor who is
responsible for the acceptance of papers in his/her division. Hence each
division is headed by a specialist in the area. It is hoped that this new
structure will reduce the load on the volunteer editor. The Committee
contributed comments about the format of the journal. Dr. Gibson reported
that foreign but not Canadian membership continues to decline.
4. Canadian Forest Service
Dr. John Huber was representing the Canadian Forest Service because most
staff had been called to a meeting to discuss new priorities. The CFS
continues to reorganize and examine its directions. A science branch meeting
was called to discuss the alignment of the branch’s roles,
responsibilities and reporting relationships to reflect the need for a
stronger role in planning and communication of the science and technology
program while recognizing the possibility of new delivery models for forest
science. Dr. Huber explained that budgets have been put on hold and will be
reallocated for the remainder of the fiscal year. Ideas being considered are
how national priorities relate to the biodiversity theme and how to identify
scientific work that will address critical national needs and offer
opportunities for products that result in high impact and visibility. Dr.
Huber outlined part of the new vision under discussion. Later, he reported
on the Science Branch meeting. At Forestry there will be 40% turnover of
scientific staff over the next 5 years. The Director General wants the
Science Branch to show increased relevance to clients as well as to balance
regional needs with national objectives. There are plans to have a stronger
integration of science and policy (especially dealing with the key issues of
climate change, biodiversity, pesticides, and certain pest groups), a call
for stronger top-down management, and a focus on important issues. The
number of listed projects will be reduced. Thematic network teams would
include one on forestry stewardship, addressing such issues as invasive
species and biodiversity. These proposals will lead to further exercises and
discussions.
5. Environment Canada
A new Water Quality Directorate at Environment Canada combines the various
aspects of water quality such as contaminants and pathogens that currently
are under different directorates. The Ecological Monitoring and Assessment
Network is now part of a new directorate established within Environment
Canada, the Knowledge Integration Directorate, which includes EMAN, the
Canadian Information System for the Environment (CISE ), Outreach Programs,
Information Technology, and Human Resources and Innovation Services.
Dr. Danks had been in communication with Ms. Lisa Twolan, Scientific Project
Officer for the General Status of Species program at the Canadian Wildlife
Service. The General Status Working Group is gearing up to produce the
second reporting document on wild species in Canada, entitled “Wild
Species 2005”. The proposed plan is to include national ranks for a range
of taxonomic groups including butterflies, dragonflies/damselflies and tiger
beetles.
6. Parasitology module, Canadian Society of Zoologists
Dr. Marcogliese reported that work continues on the protocols for EMAN. The
stickleback project also continues, including a workshop at the
International Congress of Parasitology held August 2002 in Vancouver. Most
of the presentations from the Biodiversity symposium at the International
Congress will be published in a special issue of the Journal of Parasitology
in 2003.
Dr. Marcogliese circulated a number of articles on issues such as online
taxonomy, the All Species Foundation and challenges for taxonomy as well as
relevant items from the President’s symposium of the Helminthological
Society of Washington on parasitology and its future.
7. Parks Canada
Dr. Danks reminded the Committee that Mr. Alvo, Parks Canada, attended the
April meeting. Dr. Danks had sent him extensive information about the
Survey. Its receipt had been acknowledged. No Parks representative was able
to come to this meeting.
Prompted by the recent announcement of 10 new national parks and 5 new
national marine conservation areas over the next 5 years, the Committee
noted that despite the mandate of ecological integrity and recognition of
the need to study the parks and gather baseline data, there is no additional
funding. Therefore, the Committee drafted a letter (subsequently refined and
sent) to relevant decision makers, pointing out the need for adequate
resources and for the use of existing outside expertise for inventory and
monitoring of Parks biota. In due course, the letter would be sent to
professional societies urging them to send similar letters to decision
makers. It was noted too that although it is unlikely that significant
financial support for arthropod studies will come from Parks, the issue of
access to some national parks and concern about differences in the ability
to secure permits is also important.
8. Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
Dr. Shorthouse reported that the NSERC reallocation process has been
completed. He reminded the Committee of its input in this area.
Unfortunately, the funding through the Grant Selection Committee handling
systematics and other topics was cut by $1 million; other life sciences
committees likewise had funding reduced, to the benefit of chemistry,
physics, computers and informatics. It was noted that some of the problems
with the relevant GSC stem from its diversity and the divergence between
historical ecology, evolution and systematics.
Other items
1. Reports on regional development of potential interest
Information of interest to the Survey from various parts of the country was
outlined, including the following subjects.
In British Columbia, an attractive field handbook on the dragonflies of
British Columbia and the Yukon has been published. The very successful pest
management program at Simon Fraser University is still in limbo. The term of
the Director has finished and no new students are being registered at least
until January. Work in the south Okanagan valley has led to the conclusion
that 50% of the valley needs to be protected as habitat to conserve a range
of organisms. Dr. Wayne Maddison, a student of spiders, has been appointed
at the University of British Columbia effective January 1.
In the prairies, the 50th annual meeting of the Entomological Society of
Alberta (October 24–26) included a keynote address by Dr. George Ball
summarizing 50 years of entomology in Alberta. Some outbreaks of carabid and
scarabaeid beetles were reported this year in Alberta. Activities in various
prairie laboratories were reviewed.
In Ontario, the Royal Ontario Museum is continuing with its major upgrade,
“Rennaissance ROM”. Ground will be broken in May 2003 for the first
phase. Projects and personnel changes across Ontario were reviewed. Dr.
Glenn Wiggins has completed a popular book on Trichoptera which will be a
joint University of Toronto/NRC Press publication.
In Quebec, the pest diagnostic clinic was very busy this past summer: a
record number of samples was received including some new records for North
America and other interesting material. The joint meeting of the Conférence
Internationale Francophone d’Entomologie and the Societé d’Entomologie
du Québec was held in July. Dr. Paul Bouchard died recently. His collection
will be donated to the province. Dr. Chris Buddle, a student of spiders, has
joined the Department of Natural Resources, Macdonald Campus of McGill
University. At the Lyman Museum there was major curatorial effort in the
Orthopteroid collection, and work to secure the Henry Lyman Library. The
Université de Montréal is currently recruiting for a position in insect
systematics and conservation. This position is a replacement for Dr. Peter
Harper. A new network, le Reseau Québecois de la Biodiversité, has been
formed. Opposition to cosmetic pesticide use continues to grow in Quebec,
especially in the Montreal area. There have even been campaigns to encourage
the acceptance of weeds. Other projects and changes in personnel were
reviewed.
In the Maritimes and Newfoundland, Mr. Chris Majka at the Nova Scotia Museum
of Natural History is making an effort to get many Coleoptera identified and
build a reference collection, and has produced some interesting web pages. A
workshop organized by the Biodiversity Convention Office and the
Federal-Provincial Territorial Working Group took place in July. The
workshop brought university researchers in biodiversity and others from
Atlantic Canada together to draft an outline of a research agenda for
biodiversity. The intention was to find areas of collaboration, encourage
interdisciplinary work, increase publicity, and influence funding. A faculty
position in biodiversity is being advertised at the University College of
Cape Breton. Other activities across the Maritimes were reviewed.
For the arctic, the fact that the Polar Continental Shelf Project’s budget
was cut by 20% last year (so that some arctic researchers did not receive
any logistic support) had led to an active letter-writing campaign to
members of parliament and other agencies. The consequences of that campaign
would be discussed at the annual general meeting of the Association of
Canadian Universities for Northern Studies in October. The Canadian Polar
Commission has compiled a publication on indicators of Canadian polar
knowledge using two years’ data. The 14 indicators include such things as
studies of polar subjects supported by granting agencies, university courses
in polar-related subjects, newspaper articles relevant to Canadian polar
matters, and fiction publications by northern Canadian authors. The European
Union Framework Program 6 is meeting in Brussels in November. This program
has $27 billion Canadian going into research and development. There is much
competition for partnerships with countries outside Europe.
2. Other matters
The Committee also considered information about other relevant subjects,
including international liaison, membership of the Scientific Committee,
operations of the Biological Survey Secretariat, and additional information
about publications and conferences.