Message from the Assistant Deputy Minister of Science

In the midst of new and innovative research initiatives and ongoing monitoring programs, this year the Science Sector of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) also reflected on its roots as both the St. Andrews Biological Station (SABS) and the Pacific Biological Station (PBS) marked 100^th anniversaries. The stations have long served as focal points for fisheries and aquatic research on Canada's east and west coasts.

Today, DFO Science carries on the tradition of world-class research that began at SABS and PBS, refining our research program to ensure its relevance and effectiveness for addressing the department's mandate and its responsiveness to departmental and government-wide priorities. We are now well into our Five-Year Research Agenda, 2007-2012, which takes an ecosystem approach to 10 research priorities. At the same time there is built-in flexibility to respond to new priorities, challenges and opportunities.

This report details work carried out in 2008-2009 centred around the five key functions of DFO Science: research, monitoring, data and information management, scientific advice, and products and services. Balancing these five areas is key to an effective science program, as is fostering partnerships and collaborations to enhance the program's capacity. As this report illustrates, our scientists are involved in a broad range of regional and national partnerships and collaborations involving universities, municipalities, landowners, First Nations communities and conservation groups, among others. DFO Science also has leading and contributing roles in many international research initiatives such as IndiSeas and the Arctic Biodiversity Assessment. These collaborations foster knowledge sharing that benefits fisheries and aquatic issues at the regional, national and international levels.

In our efforts to make the Science program both effective and affordable, DFO Science is also working to maximize the integration of research activities. This is evident in the synergy between our oceanographic monitoring programs, the Climate Change Science Initiative, the regional Ecosystem Research Initiatives and the Centres of Expertise (COEs). The formation of several virtual research COEs has also enhanced collaboration, reduced duplication and provided a single point of contact for many research needs.

Scientific data and information alone are not enough, however. We also continually strive to ensure that scientific advice is considered in policy development and decision-making, and that Canadians are informed of the information, products and services that are available to them as a result of our activities.

When this report is published, I will be in my new role as Assistant Director-General and Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. Member states of this international UNESCO organization co-operate in research, monitoring, observation systems, hazard mitigation and capacity development to foster sustainable development and protection of the marine environment. Canada is an important member of the IOC and I look forward to working with my many exceptional DFO colleagues in my new role.

Wendy Watson-Wright, Ph.D.
Assistant Deputy Minister
Science Sector, Fisheries and Oceans Canada