Climate Change Science Initiative

New! Final Report

Ocean Facts!
DFO scientists were among the recipients of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize through their contribution to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The Climate Change Science Initiative (CCSI) recognizes the importance of:

  • improving our predictions of climate change in Canada's three oceans and its inland water sheds;
  • understanding potential impacts of climate variability on aquatic ecosystems;
  • anticipating some of the emerging issues that have not been adequately investigated; and
  • identifying potential socio-economic effects.

The CCSI responds to the ecosystem assessment and management strategies outlined in the 5 Year Research Plan and supports the following key priority areas;

  • Fish Population and Community Productivity – understanding factors controlling populations and how climate may affect carrying capacity.
  • Habitat and Population Linkages - quantifying effects of human-induced and natural changes to habitats and the aquatic resources they support.
  • Climate Change / Variability - understand and forecast changes, provide scientific information for developing adaptation strategies.
  • Ecosystem Assessment and Management Strategies - undertaking ecosystem modelling to support evaluation of management strategies; developing ecosystem status reports to meet the needs of diverse clients.