Advancing fisheries science and collaboration with Sean Stuart
At a glance
Sean Stuart, Senior Biologist at GHD, was recently appointed President of the Canadian Aquatic Resources Section (CARS) of the American Fisheries Society (AFS). The two-year term recognizes Sean’s longstanding commitment to fisheries science, collaboration and practical solutions that balance project delivery with the protection of aquatic ecosystems across Canada.
With more than two decades of experience as a fisheries biologist, Sean brings a deep understanding of how science, policy and real-world project constraints intersect. Through his new appointment, he is focused on strengthening connections across the Canadian fisheries community, elevating Canadian voices within AFS and using fisheries science to inform decisions that shape communities and infrastructure nationwide.
Speaking for the fish: The role of CARS and AFS in Canada
For Sean, the purpose of CARS and AFS is to provide a collective voice for fisheries and the professionals who work to protect them.
“One of the best quotes I’ve heard floating around AFS is that, as fisheries professionals, we speak for the fish. That really captures what we do.”
CARS serves as a national forum that brings together fisheries professionals from academia, government, non-government organizations and private firms. The organization creates space for open dialogue, shared learning and collaboration across disciplines and regions.
Canada’s fisheries community is supported through a network of regional and international chapters that span the entire country, including coastal chapters that cross the Canada-US border, as well as Ontario and Mid-Canada chapters. At the national level, CARS helps connect these chapters to share lessons learned and elevate issues that affect fisheries across the country.
What fisheries biology looks like in practice
In his day-to-day role as a fisheries biologist, Sean works alongside clients from the earliest stages of project planning through design, permitting, construction and post-construction monitoring. His goal is always the same: to help projects move forward while minimizing environmental impacts and, where possible, leaving ecosystems better than they were before.
A key passion for Sean is habitat restoration. When projects have unavoidable impacts, he looks for opportunities to integrate enhancements that balance the needs of a project with benefitting fish habitats and the surrounding ecosystems.
I like the idea of leaving something in better shape than it was before the work was done. When that works for the client, the community and the environment, that’s a win for everyone.”
Fisheries science plays a critical role in infrastructure delivery, particularly in Canada, where the Fisheries Act provides strong protections for fish and fish habitat. Sean often helps clients identify ways to avoid or reduce impacts early in the design process, which often eliminates the need for lengthy permitting altogether.
When impacts cannot be avoided, Sean works with design teams to explore alternatives such as bridges instead of culverts or trenchless installation methods that reduce disturbance. If impacts still occur, he focuses on enhancement and restoration measures that deliver long-term benefits and support regulatory approvals.
One of his most memorable projects involved realigning a creek during a road project to create a new trout spawning habitat. The results were immediate.
“We had trout spawning in that channel the very next season. Those are the moments that really stick with you.”
Listening to communities and valuing lived experience
Fisheries management depends on listening to a wide range of stakeholders, from scientists and regulators, through to the people who use and depend on aquatic ecosystems.
“People who fish, hunt or spend time in the environment often understand the impacts very clearly. They bring perspectives that are just as important as formal education.”
By helping people see how small streams support larger ecosystems and ultimately the fish they care about, Sean finds conversations around conservation to become more meaningful and productive.
Leadership priorities rooted in connection and inclusion
As President, Sean’s focus is on rebuilding momentum and strengthening engagement across the organization.
Two priorities stand out. The first is revitalizing the CARS policy committee to allow fisheries professionals to provide informed, collective input on government policy and regulatory changes. His second priority is launching a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee, an initiative discussed in the past but never fully implemented. While Sean is clear that his role is to help get the committee established, his long-term goal is for it to be self-sustaining and representative of the diversity of our membership.
Beyond committees, Sean is committed to strengthening Canada’s connection to the broader American Fisheries Society. He hopes to challenge the perception that AFS is primarily a US-focused organization and reinforce that it represents the Americas from Canada’s Arctic to the southern tip of South America.
Looking to the future with hope
In every role, Sean always encourages greater awareness of how interconnected ecosystems truly are.
“No matter where you are, you’re in a watershed, and what you do on land eventually affects fish habitat. When people make that connection, they start to care more, and that’s where real change begins.”
As he looks ahead to his presidency with CARS, Sean remains optimistic about the power of collaboration, science and shared responsibility to protect Canada’s aquatic resources for generations to come.