Dr. Iain Mcgaw

Biography

Iain McGaw is a professor at the Ocean Sciences Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland. His research program investigates the ecophysiology and behavior of marine invertebrates, particularly focusing on crustaceans and echinoderms. His work examines how these animals utilize respiratory and cardiovascular mechanisms to adapt to environmental changes. He studies the digestive processes of crustaceans and how they modulate mechanical digestion, enzyme activity, and protein synthesis, with findings relevant to fisheries and aquaculture. His interest in crustacean behavior emphasizes their physiological adaptations to changing environments. McGaw’s research includes the balancing demands of physiological systems and understanding behavioral responses to environmental challenges. He investigates interactions between native lobsters and invasive green crabs, as well as the effects of dehydration on the feeding preferences of black land crabs. His work in the Bahamas contributed to sustainable fishery practices using the West Indian spider crab as a biological agent for aquaculture. McGaw utilizes both laboratory and field-based approaches in his research. He has strong ties to the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and regularly conducts projects involving species found on the west coast of Canada.

Research Interests

Experience