Canadian government announces $46.5 million for deepsea research at Vancouver conference

Canadian government announces $46.5 million for deepsea research at Vancouver conference

Canada has long been a leader in ocean research and conservation, and the government’s recent funding commitment of $46.5 million over the next five years for ocean research and environmental protection further solidifies its reputation. Seamus O‘Regan, Minister of Natural Resources, and Canadian government made the announcement at the International Marine Protected Areas Congress in Vancouver on Monday, citing the need to better understand the oceans in terms of how they are changing and how to sustainably manage resources.

Fisheries Minister Joyce Murray says understanding of the marine environment is “relatively meagre” given that oceans cover 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface.

The funding comes from the government’s $3.5 billion ocean protection plan, and will be used to fund data gathering about the deep ocean to support research and decision–making. This data can also support ocean industries such as shipping, energy production and tourism. Kate Moran, CEO of the University of Victoria’s Ocean Networks Canada, told the Congress that the money will be used to study currents, marine safety, ocean sound and ocean monitoring data, among other things. She added, “This new funding strengthens important national priorities that make the connection between ocean science and communities a real one”.

The knowledge produced from the research will be invaluable for understanding the changing oceans and their ecosystems. It can help in the management of fisheries and marine resources, leading to the sustainable exploitation and use of these resources. This is also especially important for coastal communities and Indigenous Peoples as they rely heavily on marine resources for their livelihood and cultural traditions. With better understanding of the marine environment, wise and informed decisions can be taken to maintain the productivity of marine habitats, thereby helping to protect food security and local economies.

The research data can also be used to address issues such as the overfishing of species, plastic pollution, and the increasing global temperature and acidification of the ocean.

This knowledge can be used to develop new policies, technologies and management regimes to protect the oceans and combat the effects of climate change. By gathering more and better data, Canada will also be able to measure more effectively the effectiveness of conservation strategies. This also offers additional opportunities to universities and individuals looking to develop projects related to the ocean protection. The data will provide the necessary scientific and technological foundation for these initiatives. In addition, Canada’s commitment to ocean protection has been inspiring and has resonated around the world. As a result, it has become clear to the international community that through collaboration, research and commitment to sustainability, oceans can be better protected.

All in all, Canada‘s commitment to ocean conservation through the $46.5 million funding over the next five years is an investment in the future of our oceans and coasts. The research data and studies made possible by this funding will help inform decision–making and create new economic opportunities. It will also be beneficial in helping to understand, manage and protect ocean habitats, marine species, and the livelihoods of coastal communities. With this commitment, Canada will further regain its mantle as an ocean leader and set a strong example for the rest of the world.