About Us

Science provides an essential basis for managing fisheries and oceans resources. Fisheries and Oceans Canada researchers develop and implement scientific surveys, data collection techniques, basic and applied research, scientific predictions and forecasts, as well as publication of scientific results.

Research activities fall within the varied categories of marine environment and habitat, oceanography, productivity, stock assessment, hydrography and aquaculture.

Scientists in Canada's Pacific Region conduct research throughout coastal and interior BC, the Yukon's transboundary rives, as well as the Western Arctic. Research facilities in BC include the Institute of Ocean Sciences in Sidney, the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo, the Centre for Aquaculture and Environmental Research in West Vancouver, and the Cultus Lake Salmon Research Lab at Cultus Lake.

Marine environment and habitat science extends across several locations in Pacific. Researchers acquire and deliver scientific information for both marine and freshwater environments, including: habitat capacities for fish production; ecosystem impacts from physical disruption; chemical contamination and exotic species; designation of marine protected areas; integrated coastal zone management; and marine environmental quality.

Oceanography and productivity research provides the foundation for assessing the effect of changes in ocean conditions on fish stocks, fish habitat and marine activities. Some of the science in this diverse study area includes: examination of sea surface temperatures, ocean waves, acoustics, remote sensing; El Niño conditions and forecasting; as well as plankton and fish productivity assessments. Data are publicly available in several formats including some online, real-time elements.

The scientific basis for stock assessment and fisheries resource management strategies develops from research program s at PBS, as well as satellite field locations in New Westminster, Kamloops, Prince Rupert, and Whitehorse. Researchers examine a wide range of factors that influence the abundance and distribution of the fisheries resource. The sock assessment process includes rigorous review by the Pacific Science Advice Review Committee (PSARC). PSARC provides advice about fish stock and habitat status as well as potential biological consequences of fisheries management actions and natural events. PSARC issues publicly available Research Documents, Advisory Documents, Stock Status Reports, and Habitat Status Reports.

Canadian Hydrographic Services in the Pacific, based at IOS, produces a number of publications including nautical charts, sailing directions, bathymetric maps, as well as tide and current tables. These products facilitate safe and efficient navigation. Tide, current and bathymetric data are important to many science and engineering projects. The development of these products requires the latest hydrographic technologies for surveying in the marine environment, combined with computer technologies for chart production and distribution.

As the lead federal agency for aquaculture, Fisheries and Oceans Canada works in partnership with stakeholders to develop sustainable practices for the aquaculture industry. Staff at the Pacific Biological Station and the West Vancouver Laboratory produce a wide range of aquaculture research. A world class science program supports regulatory mandates as well as provides a sound science and technology base for innovation in this dynamic field.

For more information about scientific activities in the Pacific Region, please explore our website further.