The Ecosystem Research Division is responsible for delivery of the Maritimes Region component of the Environmental Science Program, contributing to two of the Department's strategic outcomes:
Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems (HAPAE).
Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture (SFA).
The primary mandate of the program is to design and deliver multi-dimensional research to provide advice that addresses the Science Sector's principal ecosystem priorities:
Setting clear objectives for monitoring and protection.
Developing ecosystem indicators and reporting systems.
Developing risk-based frameworks.
Identifying habitats of special importance and sensitivity.
Considering impacts on aquatic biodiversity (SARA, invasive species).
Understanding climate variability and impacts on resources.
This broad mandate is tackled by a research team with diverse skills located at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The diversity of the research conducted and the scientific advice that is provided is reflected in the Division's Sections and Centres of Excellence:
The Habitat Ecology Section studies the impacts of disturbances on fish habitat. It carries out predictive research on effects of habitat changes, and provides assessment of actual or potential damage to aquatic populations.
The Ocean Research and Monitoring Section monitors biological and chemical oceanographic conditions, collecting information by satellite and at-sea sampling. It provides information and advice. Research includes aspects of microbial, phytoplankton and zooplankton ecology, optical oceanography, climate variability impacts, ecosystem modelling, biogeochemical cycling and chemical/radionuclide tracer studies.
The Division's research efforts are highly dependent upon collaborations with other DFO scientists, other federal departments, provincial governments, universities, international programs, industry, and other organizations. For further information, contact OES.
