Science at DFO

Purpose

1. Provide an overview of science at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
2. Outline DFO’s scientific footprint
3. Highlight how DFO Science provides evidence-based advice to support you in your role

The role of science at DFO

DFO science provides information, analysis, and advice on key areas.

• Sustainable fisheries
• Species protection and recovery
• Impacts of aquaculture on ecosystems
• Environmental and risk assessments
• Oceans management
• Safe navigation in Canada’s waterways
• Science to support emergency response

Core science functions

Research

Produces the evidence base to inform management decisions

Program monitoring

Ongoing long-term data help us understand and react to changes in our waters

Scientific data

Generate data that is accessible, usable, and of known quality

Data products and services

Hydrographic products and surveys (e.g., digital charts)

Science advice

Supports evidence-based decision-making

DFO Scientists – Who we are

A highly skilled workforce, with science expertise spanning all areas of fisheries and ocean science

• Approximately 2,000 staff
• Research institutes/labs across Canada
• Science at-sea field component
• Science collaborations and partnerships

Science advice

Our science advice supports evidence-based decision-making

• The Department's Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) provides you with peer- reviewed advice
  • Provides the challenge function to generate, document, and communicate science advice
  • Over 120 events and 230 – 300 publications annually
• Process includes external experts
• CSAS documents are published to ensure transparency

Science and Innovation

Taking a Collaborative Approach

• Oceans Research in Canada Alliance
• Science Enterprise Centres
• Multi-partner / collaborative
• Pacific and Atlantic

Communicating our science

• State of the ocean reporting
• Supporting #opendata

Science for today and tomorrow

High quality science

Continue to deliver quality science for decision-making about our oceans and aquatic ecosystems

Leading research

Conduct research that addresses current and emerging issues, including:

• Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems
• Safe Shipping
• Aquaculture
• Changing Ocean Conditions
• Blue Economy

Enhanced communication

Improve how we communicate our science

• Proactive
• Open
• Effective
• Modern

Constructive relationships

Build relationships with stakeholders, Indigenous peoples, and scientific community – at home & abroad

Annex 1: DFO National Science Facilities