Quinte Conservation’s Aquatic Sciences department will deploy three high-quality Windermere Traps in the Bay of Quinte this summer — thanks in part to students from PECI.

QC evaluates the health of the Bay’s ecosystem and its habitats by monitoring fish populations. The data collected guides habitat restoration efforts.

Panthers in the manufacturing technology program successfully reverse-engineered and built devices that allow for the collection of such data.

Windermere Traps are a passive and non-destructive monitoring tool, designed to capture bottom-dwelling fish like Brown Bullhead, other nearshore fish such as Sunfish, and Yellow Perch. Traps are monitored regularly and the weight, length and health of the fish are recorded.

The one-of-a-kind project gave the students hands-on experience and the chance to apply their technical skills beyond the standard curriculum.

“This was an excellent example of how classroom learning can extend beyond the school walls,” said teacher Aaron Gray. “Students were able to apply problem-solving, collaboration, and technical skills to a real-world design challenge, one that has a direct impact on environmental conservation efforts in our region.”

Panthers Produce Results

Aquatic Science Manager Mary Gunning said QC was grateful to the students and staff for supporting critical environmental science work. She said her team supplied students with an example of the device they needed, and the students successfully recreated it. 

An equipment shortage was the catalyst that sparked the initial collaboration. 

“This result just highlights the power of community partnerships in advancing environmental science,” said Ms. Gunning.

“This is the first time we’ve had an opportunity to work with a local school on a project of this level, and we welcome any future opportunities that allow students to share in our passion for environmental protection and conservation,” Ms. Gunning said.