2017-2018
News Release
REF NO.: 64
SUBJECT: With funding in place, ocean research seeks solutions for the North Atlantic
DATE: April 12, 2018
Fifteen ocean research projects based in Atlantic Canada have received more than $25 million in funding.
The investment is 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 Memorial University of Newfoundland, Dalhousie University and the University of Prince Edward Island to study ocean-related issues in the North Atlantic Ocean and the Canadian Arctic Gateway, which includes the Labrador Sea and eastern portions of the straits of the Canadian Arctic archipelago.
Projects include working to improve prediction and mitigation of major storms, understanding ocean change, managing human activities as they relate to ocean resources and improving the potential for fisheries and aquaculture to meet global seafood demand.
Wendy Watson-Wright, chief executive officer, OFI, says 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," she said.
"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
- The Sustainable Capture Fisheries and Their Ecosystems project is co-led by Memorial University’s Noel Cadigan, Paul Winger and Jonathan Fisher. A key scientific and socio-economic 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.
- At Dalhousie University, Auditing the Northwest Atlantic Carbon Sink is a 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 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 project titled Social Licence and 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 received funding, please visit online.
About OFI
The Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI) is a transnational hub for ocean research led by Dalhousie University, Memorial University of Newfoundland and the University of Prince Edward Island. Financial support is provided by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, public and private sources. Learn more at oceanfrontierinstitute.com.
REF NO.: 64
SUBJECT: With funding in place, ocean research seeks solutions for the North Atlantic
DATE: April 12, 2018
Fifteen ocean research projects based in Atlantic Canada have received more than $25 million in funding.
The investment is 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 Memorial University of Newfoundland, Dalhousie University and the University of Prince Edward Island to study ocean-related issues in the North Atlantic Ocean and the Canadian Arctic Gateway, which includes the Labrador Sea and eastern portions of the straits of the Canadian Arctic archipelago.
Projects include working to improve prediction and mitigation of major storms, understanding ocean change, managing human activities as they relate to ocean resources and improving the potential for fisheries and aquaculture to meet global seafood demand.
Wendy Watson-Wright, chief executive officer, OFI, says 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," she said.
"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
- The Sustainable Capture Fisheries and Their Ecosystems project is co-led by Memorial University’s Noel Cadigan, Paul Winger and Jonathan Fisher. A key scientific and socio-economic 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.
- At Dalhousie University, Auditing the Northwest Atlantic Carbon Sink is a 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 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 project titled Social Licence and 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 received funding, please visit online.
About OFI
The Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI) is a transnational hub for ocean research led by Dalhousie University, Memorial University of Newfoundland and the University of Prince Edward Island. Financial support is provided by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, public and private sources. Learn more at oceanfrontierinstitute.com.
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