‘Restoring ocean science’ is the Canadian government’s stated purpose in announcing new hires and new technologies.

‘Restoring ocean science’ is the Canadian government’s stated purpose in announcing new hires and new technologies.
Photo Credit: CBC

Government boosts marine and freshwater science

Canada’s new Liberal government has announced it will hire 135 people with a view to “restoring ocean science.” The previous Conservative government dismissed more than 2,000 scientists over five years beginning in 2009 and cut the funding for hundreds of programs and internationally-recognized research facilities. Scientists expressed alarm and organized several protests for what they called an out-and-out attack on science. The public broadcaster produced a documentary on the issue called “Silence of the Labs.”

Liberals promised to restore science

While campaigning for office, the Liberal Party promised to restore science and evidence-based decision making. After being elected in October 2015 the new government tabled its first budget which included $197 million over five years to boost ocean and freshwater science.

Some of the money will be spent to hire research scientists, biologists, oceanographers and technicians. The department responsible will also acquire new technologies to collect data and more efficiently share information.

Major freshwater systems to be studied

It promises “more ecosystems research and improved stock assessments on commercial species and species at risk” and more research on stressors like underwater noise pollution and micro-plastics. There will also be more research on aquaculture and its impacts on wild species as well as research on freshwater ecosystems like the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, the St. Lawrence River and the Experimental Lakes Area in the province of Ontario.

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