The University of VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) initiative will receive a federal investment of $114.8 million over the next six years to advance ocean observing and expand the reach of its open access big data.

Announced Friday (Aug. 19), the funding will be awarded through the Major Science Initiatives Fund of the Canada Foundation for Innovation, a fund that covers portions of operating and maintenance costs of select national science facilities across the country.

Canada has the longest coastline of any country in the world and ONC is the only national ocean observatory B次元官网网址� it operates more than 9,000 coastal and deep sea sensors in the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans.

The support will aid the observatoryB次元官网网址檚 endeavour to develop climate crisis solutions, in addition to promoting safer coastal communities, Indigenous ocean data stewardship and a sustainable economy.

B次元官网网址淭his funding recognizes Ocean Networks Canada for its leadership and the profound difference itB次元官网网址檚 making on all three Canadian coasts and internationally,B次元官网网址� said UVic president and vice-chancellor Kevin Hall. B次元官网网址淎s a research university, we take pride in working in partnership to create a better world B次元官网网址� by taking action on climate change and working with partners to make life better on land and below the water.B次元官网网址�

Over the last 16 years ONC has expanded beyond its initial work in the Salish Sea to create an extensive network of underwater observing infrastructure. According to ONC president and CEO Kate Moran, real-time and long-time series ocean data enable a range of services that facilitate scientific discovery.

The data supports climate impact monitoring, maritime safety, innovation in climate change mitigation and even contributes to B.C.B次元官网网址檚 earthquake and tsunami early warning systems.

B次元官网网址淐anadians can be proud of their national observatory that not only yields valuable insights into this undersea world that covers two thirds of our planet, but also contributes to CanadaB次元官网网址檚 climate leadership through innovation in ocean nature-based and technological climate mitigation solutions and coastal resilience,B次元官网网址� Moran said.

B次元官网网址淭his investment also means that ONC, through its work with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, can continue working with partners in Canada and internationally to advance projects in pursuit of healthier oceans, science that promotes ocean resilience and a citizenry engaged with the oceansB次元官网网址� role in supporting life on this planet.B次元官网网址�

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