Nelson Jatel

(He, Him, His)

Adjunct Professor

Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences, Freshwater Science

Email: nelson.jatel@ubc.ca

Research Summary

Applied limnology and water management technologies; social network analysis for watershed governance and organizational performance; innovative decision-support tools for community networks and policy development.

Courses & Teaching

Limnology 301
Water Management 402

Biography

I’m a passionate leader in water management and social network analysis, serving as Water Stewardship Director for the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) for the past 18 years. My work focuses on ensuring our waters are safe to drink, swim, and fish in, blending science with community engagement to solve complex water challenges.

At OBWB, I collaborate with the executive team to develop innovative, science-based solutions and build consensus for practical policies. Strengthening community networks and fostering grassroots solutions is at the heart of my approach.

My academic background includes a BSc in Freshwater Science, an MA in Economics, Decision Theory, and Governance, and a Doctor.

Research Interests & Projects

Dr. Nelson Jatel’s research focuses on advancing sustainable water management through applied science, innovative governance frameworks, and community engagement. His interdisciplinary expertise spans applied limnology, social network analysis, and water technology innovation, underpinned by a deep commitment to addressing complex water resource challenges.

Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB)

As Water Stewardship Director for the OBWB, Dr. Jatel leads pivotal programs aimed at safeguarding water resources in the Okanagan region. His research explores the integration of hydrometric monitoring, climate change modeling, and stakeholder collaboration to enhance drought preparedness, water quality protection, and ecosystem health. Recent projects include:

– Hydrometric Monitoring Program: Advancing data-driven water management through real-time monitoring and analysis of watershed hydrology.

– Cyanobacteria Monitoring & Prediction: Developing tools for cyanobacteria bloom detection, combining satellite imagery and community reporting for actionable water quality insights.

– Governance Innovations: Examining the role of social network connectivity in fostering consensus-driven water policies among diverse stakeholders.

Limnology Research Corp.

Dr. Jatel founded Limnology Research Corp. in 2001 to address gaps in decision support and watershed governance. His research projects with the firm focus on the application of social network analysis to improve organizational performance and collaborative governance. Key initiatives include:

– Watershed Governance Mapping: Analyzing the evolution of social networks within watershed organizations, such as the Okanagan and Mackenzie Watersheds, to identify structural shifts and inform adaptive management.

– Decision-Support Models: Developing participatory tools to empower local governments and community groups in addressing water sustainability challenges.

– Network-Based Policy Evaluation: Using social network metrics to assess policy impacts and enhance collaboration between government, Indigenous, and non-governmental actors.

Barrierflow Technologies

As founding director of Barrierflow Technologies, Dr. Jatel’s work addresses the pressing challenge of invasive species management in water systems. His research and development efforts focus on creating environmentally sustainable solutions, including:

– Non-Chemical Alternatives to Chlorination: Designing and piloting innovative technologies for zebra and quagga mussel control that eliminate the need for harmful chemicals in water infrastructure.

– Pilot Projects with Water Utilities: Partnering with Canadian water utilities to test and refine these technologies, with a focus on operational scalability and environmental compliance.

– Long-Term Ecosystem Monitoring: Assessing the impact of invasive species on aquatic ecosystems and infrastructure to develop comprehensive management strategies.

Future Directions

Dr. Jatel’s ongoing research emphasizes the intersection of technology, governance, and community networks to address emerging water resource challenges. Upcoming projects include: Developing an interactive GIS-based wetland management tool for the Okanagan region. Enhancing the use of social network analysis for policy evaluation, particularly in climate change adaptation and water governance. Expanding the application of invasive species control technologies to international markets. Through his roles at OBWB, Limnology Research Corp., and Barrierflow Technologies, Dr. Jatel continues to push the boundaries of interdisciplinary research to create meaningful, scalable solutions for water resource management.

Professional Services/Affiliations/Committees

Professional Agrologist (British Columbia)