Science

Science plays an important role in Canada’s strategy to combat overfishing and improve international fisheries and oceans governance. Not only can scientific research provide important information about the abundance, distribution and health of commercial fish stocks, it is also key to understanding better the complex and diverse marine ecosystems that support life in our oceans.

Sound fisheries management decisions are based on science. To make better management decisions, there is a need for scientific research to increase our knowledge of high seas marine ecosystems, including straddling and highly migratory fish stocks.

In response to this need, the Government of Canada committed $11 million from 2005-2008 for research activities focused on:

• sensitive marine areas and sensitive aquatic species associated with the Grand Banks;
• straddling and highly migratory fish stocks in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and the surrounding oceans ecosystems; and,
• sustainable fisheries practices and harvesting strategies that use a precautionary approach.

In 2008, the Government of Canada committed $4 million per year, on an ongoing basis, for science activities to support policy and decision-making for:

• Straddling and highly migratory species
• Ocean variability and marine ecosystems
• Protection of high seas habitat and communities

In particular, an ongoing tuna tagging program is continuing to provide valuable information about migration patterns.

Fact Sheets and Backgrounders