Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

Ottawa, Canada
K1A 0E6

As Minister, I am very pleased to introduce Fisheries and Oceans Canada's (DFO) inaugural report on our Science Sector.

Sound science remains the cornerstone on which DFO bases its fisheries and oceans management decisions. Every day, through its key functions — such as research, monitoring, advisory duties, data management and a host of other products and services — the Science Sector helps DFO enhance the strategic outcomes it delivers to Canadians. Those are:

• Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture;
• Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems; and
• Safe and Accessible Waterways.

DFO is a science department and I am firm believer in its role to better inform our decisions in managing Canada's fisheries and oceans. I am committed to renewing our science capabilities to deliver high-quality research and technology that are relevant, effective, affordable and valued by Canadians.

Science is becoming an increasingly collaborative undertaking. The purpose of this report is to provide all Canadians, and our departmental partners and stakeholders, with a comprehensive look at DFO's Science Sector. I hope our report serves to further inform and engage the public on the important scientific work we're accomplishing.

I invite you to explore this publication to learn more about the work of DFO's Science Sector and I welcome your comments.

Sincerely,
The Honourable Loyola Hearn, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans