Assistant Deputy Minister's Message

The great majority of the approximately 1,600 Science Sector staff of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) work at fourteen institutes and laboratories, where scientists, technicians, hydrographers and other science staff are undertaking projects at the cutting edge of science. Their work, in concert with the work of their national and international partners, offers Canadians important, relevant information about our aquatic ecosystems that is of vital benefit to Canada and the world.

Internationally, and among our scientific peers, DFO researchers have, for some time, been regarded as world leaders in the aquatic sciences. Our institutes throughout the country are top notch. We are breaking new ground in our understanding of northern environments and species. With respect to freshwater, we are doing world-leading research into freshwater cage aquaculture with our Experimental Lakes Area program. In oceanography, respect for our modelling and data interpretation of world oceans is reflected in our many close international linkages. Our Canadian Hydrographic Service is a leader in electronic charting. Many positive changes to policy and legislation have resulted from our work. Yet, despite all of this, at one of the first meetings of our external Science Advisory Council in 2005, a member remarked that the Science Sector of DFO was home to “some of the greatest science stories never told.” 

It is my intention to improve our ability to tell our science stories, and this annual report is just one reflection of that intention. Some readers of this report will be surprised and perhaps amazed by the work we do. It is my goal that all who read it will see the excellence and relevance of the work. 

During 2005 we reviewed our activities, leading to the implementation of a Science Renewal initiative in 2006. In support of Science Renewal and high priority research, the Government of Canada invested $13.5 million in DFO Science during 2006 under the DFO Transformational Plan. Supported by this investment, Science Renewal aims at ensuring that the DFO Science program continues to be based on excellence; that it is relevant to the needs of the Department, the federal government and Canadians; that it is effective and delivers the program through modernized delivery mechanisms; that it is affordable, giving it sufficient long-term sustainability; and that it is valued and understood by decision makers.

DFO Science is an important organization, doing science that matters to Canada — in the field and in the lab. I am therefore proud to present this overview of the work of DFO Science Sector in 2005-2006.

Wendy Watson-Wright, PhD
Assistant Deputy Minister
Science Sector
Fisheries and Oceans Canada