International and Regional science efforts

Scientific research is integral to Canada's efforts to address overfishing on the high seas and ensure sustainable marine ecosystems. As a member of a number of international fisheries and oceans-related organizations, Canada is contributing to global scientific activities.

• U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization - Fisheries Research
• Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP)
• International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES)
• Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO) - IOC

Canada has also established a number of bilateral cooperative scientific arrangements:

• Canada and Spain – Collaborative Marine Science Initiative

Co-operative scientific research is a key feature of many regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs), including those to which Canada belongs. Canada is an active participant in science activities at the following RFMOs.

NAFO
The Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization’s Scientific Council studies and exchanges of scientific information relating to environmental and ecological factors affecting the fisheries of the NAFO Convention Area. Canada has been leading efforts to study and protect seamounts and other vulnerable deep sea ecosystems within the NAFO regulatory area.

NPAFC
The North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission Committee on Scientific Research studies the factors affecting the survival of salmon stocks in ocean environments. This research will help Canada’s ability to forecast the abundance and migration timing of Pacific salmon stocks.

ICCAT
The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas Standing Committee on Research and Statistics compiles relevant catch and scientific data for regulated tuna species in the Atlantic. Without proper data, scientists are unable to conduct the necessary stock assessments.

NASCO
Since 2005, member states of the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization have been co-operating on an initiative called SALSEA (Salmon at Sea) which is aimed at building a better understanding of the lifecycle of salmon, with a particular focus on the time spent in the ocean. Canada has so far contributed $2 million to projects including:

• Monitoring of sea survival
• Distribution and migration for salmon in the sea;
• Life history processes; and
• Natural and human-based factors affecting sea survival

WCPFC
Canadian fishery scientists have participated in the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission’s Scientific Committee since 2005. Participants discussed the state of the region's fisheries and provided scientific advice to the Commission on the status of tuna stocks and bycatch species.