The funding is going towards UVic’s Ocean Networks Canada initiative, which collects real-time scientific data on the waters of Canada’s west and east coasts, as well as the Arctic. The information gathered is freely available and used to help scientific communities, governments, and marine industries make informed, evidence-based decisions.
The funding will allow ONC to expand to its “Oceans 3.0” phase by allowing UVic to purchase more advanced infrastructure and equipment, like remote control systems, interactive sensors, cabled observatories and data management tools. “We know that human pressures are changing our oceans. These funds buttress ONC’s ability to support scientists to better understand the ocean at this critical time of a rapidly changing climate,” she said.