Inside the control room of exploration vessel, Nautilus, with the Ocean Networks Canada and Ocean Exploration Trust team to conduct around-the-clock operations to maintain and expand ONC infrastructure in the northeast Pacific Ocean. Credit: Ocean Networks Canada
VICTORIA – The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Joyce Murray, announced $46.5 million in funding over five years to Ocean Networks Canada, an initiative of the University of Victoria, to enhance their world-class ocean monitoring system.
Funded through Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan, this research helps to provide real-time, open data to better understand our changing oceans.
Ocean Networks Canada supports a network of deep sea and coastal ocean observatories that collect data to monitor ocean changes, including climate impacts and underwater noise on all three coasts. It also supports oceanographic radar and ocean buoy monitoring efforts that provide real-time information on wave, and surface currents that help monitor ocean conditions and prepare for extreme events. This investment helps Canada continue to collect the data needed to protect our ecosystems, support safe navigation, and inform emergency response planning.
This project embodies the spirit of Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan. It brings together the best scientific advice, knowledge and tools to protect our oceans and the ecosystems and communities that depend on them. Together, we are working to help keep our oceans and coasts healthy to build a clean future for our children and grandchildren.
“Ocean Networks Canada is committed to supporting Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan through our world-leading innovation in ocean observing technology, open data, and data products. Our culture of innovation and partnership brings together scientific research and Indigenous knowledge to advance the goals of the Plan and deliver the tools needed to tackle the biggest challenge today in the ocean and on the planet—climate change,” said Kate Moran, President and CEO of UVIC’s Ocean Networks Canada.
Ocean Networks Canada was established in 2007 by the University of Victoria and operates several world-leading ocean observatories on Canada’s East, West, and Arctic coasts.
Business Examiner Staff and uvic.ca
