Key Accomplishments

  • Celebrated the 100th anniversaries of the permanent St. Andrews Biological Station (SABS) on Canada's east coast and the Pacific Biological Station (PBS) on the west coast.
  • Established the Climate Change Science Initiative to improve climate change predictions in Canadian waters and our understanding of the impacts on aquatic ecosystems, anticipate emerging issues, and identify the potential socio-economic effects of climate change and variability.
  • Launched the Canadian Coupled Atmosphere-Ocean-Ice Forecast System, in collaboration with Environment Canada, to improve the prediction of atmosphere, ocean and ice conditions in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
  • Conducted hydrographic surveys from coast to coast to coast to gather data for the Canadian Hydrographic Service's charting program as well as to provide support for programs of federal departments and agencies. This included the completion of hydrographic field activities in Pangnirtung, Nunavut, to provide critical base mapping in support of the department's Small Craft Harbours Program to design and construct the best possible harbour infrastructure for the community.
  • The Canadian Hydrographic Conference was held in Victoria, B.C., in May 2008.
  • Carried out innovative research projects on bluefin tuna stocks that have influenced the management of this highly migratory species both in Canada and internationally.
  • Embarked on seven Ecosystem Research Initiatives (ERIs) to address regional research priorities and to develop and test tools required to manage human activities within Canada's aquatic ecosystems.
  • Carried out research on the natural variability and risks of ocean acidification on Canadian marine ecosystems and fisheries.
  • Undertook an assessment of hypoxia (low oxygen) in Canada's marine waters, which will help interpret changes in the distribution of some fish species.
  • Contributed to the international IndiSeas project, which aims to select the most ecologically significant, measureable indicators to assess the status and health of 19 fished marine ecosystems around the world.
  • Completed an assessment of the status of five managed Atlantic cod populations to provide advice toward the development and adoption of fishery management plans for 2009.
  • Contributed to the preparation of species status reports for the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), and the development of several Government of Canada Species-at-Risk policies and guidelines, including guidelines for the identification of critical habitat.
  • Improved the delivery of hydrographic data and navigation products to mariners and the scientific community through the digital products and licensing program of the Canadian Hydrographic Service by: expanding the number of products delivered by print-on-demand; adding a new CD of Arctic electronic navigational charts (ENCs) and a new CD of Arctic raster navigations charts (RNCs) to the existing suite; and developing a system to enable registered users to download updates, new editions and new charts.