Akib Hasan monitors Temiskaming Lake in Quebec
The Lake Blitz Volunteer Spotlight series gives us the opportunity to show appreciation for our remarkable Lake Blitz volunteers. From B.C. to Nova Scotia, hundreds of volunteers have helped to create a snapshot of lake health by collecting temperature readings and taking photos of the lake they’ve decided to monitor to better understand climate impacts.
We are excited to present our latest volunteer to be featured in this series: Akib Hasan, who is joining in on the Lake Blitz from Quebec!
Q – What is your background?
A – I grew up by the side of a river in a small town in Bangladesh. Being very close to nature motivated me to pursue a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in forestry in Bangladesh. I completed my second Master’s focusing on Aquatic Ecology in Northern Quebec, where, under the guidance of a great team consisting of Miguel, Guillaume, and Louis (Groupe de recherche en écologie de la MRC Abitibi (GREMA), Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT)), I was the first to characterize the aquatic biodiversity in esker lakes (lakes formed in a depression left by a melting glacier).
Currently, I work as an Environmental Projects Coordinator at the Watershed Management Organisation of Témiscamingue (OBVT). My work involves close interaction with the lakes, rivers, forests, and wetlands of Témiscamingue, Quebec.
Q – What lake(s) are you monitoring (include province)?
A – I monitor Lac Témiscamingue/Temiskaming Lake, an interprovincial lake shared between Ontario and Quebec. This 110 km long lake flows through the Ottawa River and holds significant historical, cultural, and economic importance.
Q – Do you have a personal connection to your lakes?
A – Lac Témiscamingue is one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen. When I found a great position at OBVT, I chose to live very close to this lake. The office of OBVT is next to the lake, allowing me to study, enjoy, and explore it daily. Over the past year, I have developed a strong personal connection to this lake. As part of OBVT, I am also responsible for managing the Quebec side of the lake.
Q – What motivated you to volunteer with the National Lake Blitz?
A – I started volunteering for the National Lake Blitz in 2022 with an esker lake named Lac Beauchamp. I learned about National Lake Blitz and Living Lakes Canada from my co-supervisor Jen (University of New Brunswick). I was impressed by the size of the dataset that the National Lake Blitz had, covering data all over Canada. I am very proud to contribute to it with the lake that I love.
Q – What concerns do you have about the future health of your chosen lake?
A – OBVT’s conservation efforts face significant challenges due to the constraints imposed by provincial boundaries, which limit our jurisdictional reach. Additionally, the absence of a Conservation Authority on the opposite side leaves Lac Témiscamingue exposed to numerous risks, including invasive species, pollution, erosion, and eutrophication. OBVT is also collaborating with Living Lakes Canada to protect this lake.
Q – What is your favourite bird, fish or other wildlife species you see at your lake?
A – My favourite fish from this lake is Walleye.
Q – What is one thing everyone can do to protect their local lakes?
A – 1) Wash your boat before coming to or leaving any lake. 2) Do not use chemical fertilizers or pesticides on your land. 3) Always ensure your septic system is functioning properly and not releasing anything harmful into the environment or lake.
