The Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI) has released an interactive community report illustrating the institute’s accomplishments from 2015 to 2022.
The report showcases the achievements of researchers, students, staff, and partners in areas of ocean science, innovation, and policymaking.
With support from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) and other partners, OFI-sponsored research has focused on improving our understanding of:
- Changes in ocean ecosystems and atmosphere-ocean interactions
- Development solutions for marine safety
- Ocean data
- Ocean-related technologies
- Sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices
“In just seven years, OFI has established itself as a driving force in ocean science,” says Paul Snelgrove, OFI’s Associate Scientific Director. “By supporting transdisciplinary research, innovation and commercialisation, and policy development, OFI is advancing Canada’s global recognition as an ocean research powerhouse.”
To undertake this research, OFI has provided more than $75 million for:
- 24 multi-year large research projects
- 7 short-term, high-impact Opportunities Fund projects
- 127 innovation-focused Seed Fund projects
Looking to the future
In 2022, OFI launched the Institute’s 2022-2027 strategy.
Developed in consultation with its researchers, the strategy outlines three research pillars that will guide the focus of its work into the future:
- Achieving net zero carbon
- Protecting marine biodiversity
- Sustaining and enhancing benefits from bioresources
In May 2023, the CFREF announced the $400 million Transforming Climate Action program, which addresses the net zero carbon research pillar.
“The Transforming Climate Action program brings together more than 170 researchers spanning academic disciplines, provinces, and languages,” says Anya Waite, OFI’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the support of more than 40 national and international private and public sector partners and deep institutional connections with Indigenous peoples and communities in Atlantic Canada and Quebec we are uniquely prepared to bring a collective approach to climate action.”
