Fifteen ocean research projects based in Atlantic Canada have received a total of more than $25 million in funding, an investment that’s expected to advance understanding of atmospheric and ecosystem change while also identifying ways to grow resource development in a sustainable way.
The investment in ocean research, made possible through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund and distributed by the Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI), enables teams at Dalhousie University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and the University of Prince Edward Island to study ocean-related issues in the North Atlantic and Canadian Arctic Gateway. Projects include work to improve prediction and mitigation of major storms, understand ocean change, help manage human activities as they relate to ocean resources and improve the potential for fisheries and aquaculture to meet global seafood demand.
“The global ocean economy is projected to double in size over the next 15 years. Through the work of our researchers, OFI will help ensure we generate multiple benefits from ocean innovation and sustainable management practices,” said Wendy Watson-Wright, Chief Executive Officer of OFI. “This research intersects our economy, environment, and the needs of society. Our work reflects the needs of our diverse stakeholders and will provide the information policy makers require to make sound, evidence-based, and lasting decisions.”
“The ocean is our new frontier and there’s an ocean of opportunity for us to unlock through research.”
Examples of OFI research projects underway
- At Dalhousie University – Auditing the Northwest Atlantic Carbon Sink is a research project that will create a scientific balance sheet for understanding the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide. This project is led by Doug Wallace.
- At Memorial University of Newfoundland – A key scientific and socioeconomic challenge confronting Canada’s seafood industry is demonstrating that fisheries are sustainable, an important requirement to maintain and gain new access to international fish markets. The Sustainable Capture Fisheries & their Ecosystems project is co-led by Noel Cadigan, Paul Winger, and Jonathan Fisher.
- At the University of Prince Edward Island, researchers are examining ways to improve the health of cultured Atlantic salmon using novel epidemiological modelling techniques. Their goal is to strengthen the health of farmed fish in a sustainable manner given warming ocean conditions. New Models of Salmon Health is led by Ian Gardner.
- Understanding stakeholder expectations is key to a research project entitled Social Licence & Planning in Coastal Communities, which is led by Lucia Fanning of Dalhousie University and Charles Mather of Memorial University of Newfoundland.
For a full summary of all research projects that have received funding, go to oceanfrontierinstiute.com/research.
