Section 1 – Overview

Achievements and Priorities

Each of the science functions performed at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), including science management, research, monitoring, advice, products and services, and data management, serve the Department's strategic outcomes. As this report demonstrates, science does not just impact the Department's activities – it is the foundation of the Department's outcomes. DFO's strategic outcomes, each vital to Canada's economy and environment, are: Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems, and Safe and Accessible Waterways. DFO Science Sector follows three science themes in the performance of its activities: the state of aquatic ecosystems; the impacts of human activities; and safety, security and sovereignty.

Three major achievements of 2005 will shape the direction of Science in the Department for the balance of the decade. First, and fundamental to science renewal in the Department, was the establishment of the Science Management Board, chaired by the Deputy Minister. The Board identifies issues of importance to achieving mandated objectives of DFO; selects and assesses departmental and government-wide priorities needing Science support; and provides strategic direction on DFO Science operational planning. Second, an ecosystem-based approach to research and monitoring activities was begun. Third, the activities of the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) were focused on collecting more comprehensive hydrographic data and providing data in electronic format. In addition to these key achievements, DFO Science contributed to research and advice on issues of national importance, including northern communities, climate change, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, biotechnology, and federal interdepartmental priorities such as freshwater.

To facilitate the move to an ecosystem-based approach to science, DFO Science defined a framework for short- medium- and long-term activities, based on these eight priorities:

1. Setting clear ecosystem objectives for monitoring and protection;
2. Developing ecosystem indicators and reporting systems;
3. Developing risk-based frameworks;
4. Generating integrated ecosystem information for fisheries management;
5. Identifying habitats of special importance and sensitivity;
6. Understanding impacts on aquatic biodiversity (species at risk and aquatic invasive species);
7. Understanding pathways of effects driving changes;
8. Understanding climate variability and impacts on resources.

In the field of hydrography, the CHS made strides in the adoption of technological advances such as electronic charting, multi-beam data collection, automated production, database development and internet portals. This year, CHS also began a co-operative arrangement with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in mapping the seafloor to determine the outer limits of Canadian jurisdiction under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). CHS also collected data in collaboration with NRCan for seabed mapping under Canada's Oceans Action Plan. Seabed mapping is focused on providing imagery of the seabed characteristics and features and helps to increase scientific understanding of the physical environment and associated habitats to support integrated management planning and the identification of marine areas in need of protection. During the 2005 season more than 2,300 square kilometres in the St. Lawrence estuary were surveyed using multibeam technology.

In an era of increasingly complex and costly science challenges, partnering is essential to expand the capabilities of DFO Science. Better and stronger programs result through the input of third-party expertise; traditional and local knowledge is acquired this way; world-class scientific and technological innovation is fostered through exposure to Canadian and international leaders; new scientific personnel are trained more effectively and, with partnering, DFO Science is better able to maintain a national and international reputation for science excellence. The move to create Centres of Expertise positions Science Sector to partner effectively by clustering researchers with complementary specialties, interests and missions in aquatic science into either geographic-based or virtual Centres of Expertise.

These achievements, and DFO Science's ongoing work to contribute to national issues of importance, are described more fully in this inaugural annual report of DFO Science Sector. To learn more, visit the DFO Science website at: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science/main_e.htm

Science Budget 2005-2006

Note: Amounts shown are allocations. Actual expenditures are reported in the DFO Department Performance Report, 2005-2006.