Declan Burton was born in England, Britain, but has called Canada home since 2018. With a passion for the outdoors in particular aquatic environments, he completed his Bachelor of Science at University of Bangor (Wales) in marine biology and his Master of Science degree in Applied Ecology at the University of East Anglia (Norwich, England); he is currently wrapping up his PhD in Biology at the University of Carleton under the supervision of Dr. Steven Cooke, where he has spent his time evaluating the use of non-lethal transcriptomics in differing fisheries related scenarios.
Declan is happiest when in the field or on the water and has spent time at sea on a research vessel, spent a summer as a fishing guide on the Northwest Territories border, and, during his PhD, spent lots of time assisting with and conducting various research projects in aquatic environments.
Declan’s Nunavut experience began in 2024, when he supported the Sivummut Solution’s team working alongside the Fisheries and Sealing Division and the Taloyoak TUA in developing a commercial Arctic Char fishery. He accompanied the fishers on a 10-day land excursion to sample two lakes in the Boothia Peninsula. After joining Sivummut in 2026, Declan continues to work alongside the Division to provide research, scientific, fisheries and logistical support.
Through this previous work and education, Declan appreciates both the cultural and economic importance of local resources. He has experience leading field teams, managing field-related logistics, developing procedures and project reports. He also has experience collecting different data and conducting appropriate statistical analysis. Declan is also a capable communicator with the ability to tailor communication to different audiences with varying scientific backgrounds.
Outside of work, Declan spends much of his free time fishing or thinking about fishing. A travel rod and reel are often the first thing packed on any outing. He also enjoys watching rugby and Formula 1.
