Fisheries and Oceans

Aquatic and marine science plays a very important role in the Canadian social and economic fabric. Coastal communities, mariners, industries, and many individual Canadians rely on sound scientific information and advice in their day-to-day life. Fisheries and Oceans is a world-class scientific and technological organization that is connected with the real world and based on leadership, vision and dedication to excellence. Future challenges include addressing the government's commitment to sustainable development; understanding climate change in relation to the oceans; expanding aquaculture production in a sustainable manner; responding to species-at-risk legislation; and providing a comprehensive science program in the Canadian Arctic.

The Department's science comprises four work activities:

Fisheries and Biodiversity Science: The aim is to provide a reliable scientific basis for the conservation of marine, freshwater, and anadromous fishery resources, for protection and recovery of species at risk, and for conservation of biological diversity in aquatic environments. Scientific data on ocean and coastal populations, species, and ecosystems are collected, analysed and communicated in support of fisheries management, integrated resources management, offshore development and conservation of the aquatic environment.

Ocean and Aquaculture Science: Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) scientists investigate the effect of ocean climate variability on the productivity of living aquatic resources and the role of the ocean in the global climate system. They develop the Department's capacity to use modern technologies (e.g., satellites, automated floats) to determine and interpret ocean features such as biological productivity, hydrodynamic processes, and surface and water column properties. Also, DFO scientists pursue aquaculture and fish health research leading to technologies and knowledge to culture new species, to prevent the spread of pathogens and to ensure the safe development of aquaculture.

Habitat Management and Environmental Sciences: The aim is to achieve an integrated, cohesive approach to marine environmental and habitat protection that results in a net gain of habitat. It encompasses the development and implementation of policies, plans, and programs, and the administration of statutes related to the protection and conservation of aquatic habitats and the environment. It also involves investigating and monitoring chemical and physical conditions that affect the quality of aquatic environments; collecting, analysing and interpreting information to support the sustained economic utilization of Canada's renewable aquatic resources; and assessing, approving, and monitoring activities that affect the quality and quantity of fish habitats.

Hydrography: The mission of the Canadian Hydrographic Service is to provide a reliable scientific basis to enhance the safety and efficiency of navigation for vessels operating in Canadian waters by undertaking field surveys to measure water depth, bottom morphology, bottom type and composition, tides, water levels, near-surface currents and sound velocity; and compiling and publishing up-to-date, timely and accurate charts and other navigational information on Canadian and adjacent international waters. Hydrographic data are also used to delimit maritime boundaries and to support the exploration and exploitation of maritime resources. Hydrography is a valuable partner in ocean technology development and applications.

Web site:  www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/home-accueil_e.htm

Newfoundland and Labrador Region

Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre

Fields of Research

Fisheries resource assessment and biology of groundfish, pelagic, shellfish, marine mammal and diadromous species; life history, ecology, and population dynamics; fisheries ecosystems; aquaculture; habitat research and assessment; physical oceanography; hydrography; toxicology; parasitology; environmental and habitat management.

Contact

Joe Tillman
Director
Programs Services and Planning
Tel.: 709-772-4355
Fax: 709-772-6100
E-mail: Joe.Tillman@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre
P.O. Box 5667
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
A1C 5X1

Maritimes Region

The Maritimes Region's science staff conducts research vital to protecting Canada's oceans and fresh water bodies from the effects of pollution and enhancing the ability to understand, conserve and manage these resources. Some research activities are conducted as far north as the Canadian Arctic. Specifically, we perform research on the changing oceans and influences on marine life, the regional aquaculture industry, and the status of commercial species, which remains a staple of our operations. Our oceanographers perform research to understand and predict changes in the environment of the ocean and ocean processes.

In addition, we chart, survey, measure and describe Canada 's waters and tides to facilitate commercial navigation and fishing activities, as well as map the ocean floor. Demand for nautical products, such as electronic charts and sea floor maps, continues to grow as Atlantic sealanes become busier, fishing becomes more high-tech and interest increases in ocean development projects.

Our science operations support many other regional DFO operations such as Fisheries Management and Oceans and Habitat. For example, Fisheries Management performs essential research in monitoring, sampling and tagging aquatic species to determine size, age and egg production.

DFO research contributes to and uses knowledge from world sources and from collaborative research with local, national and international research institutions and universities.

Web site:  www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science/main_e.htm

St. Andrews Biological Station

Fields of Research

Aquaculture research (salmonids, marine finfish, invertebrates); stock assessments and associated research (groundfish, pelagic fish, invertebrates); environmental research related to fisheries and aquaculture; coastal oceanography.

Contact

Dr. Sharon McGladdery
Director
Tel.: 506-529-5882
Fax: 506-529-5862
E-mail: sharon.mcgladdery@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

St. Andrews Biological Station
St. Andrews, New Brunswick
E0G 2X0

Bedford Institute of Oceanography

Fields of Research

Population Ecology Division – Research into the population dynamics of groundfish, large and small pelagic fish, seals, and endangered marine mammals and turtles; biodiversity and ecosystem analyses related to the impact of anthropomorphic activity on the marine environment; and evaluation of the impact of commercial fisheries on fish abundance and advice on management.

Field and laboratory research on the assessment of diadromous fish populations, their genetics and factors limiting production. Recent emphasis has been on “listed” and equally vulnerable populations, especially Atlantic salmon, Atlantic whitefish and striped bass. American shad, Atlantic and shortnose sturgeons, and American eel are deserving of attention. Preservation (live gene banks) and possible restoration of threatened populations (salmon and whitefish) is being facilitated through research at the Division’s biodiversity facilities (hatcheries).

Stock assessment of marine and anadromous fish; population dynamics; population biology; ecology; genetics of wild stocks; fisheries management studies; Aboriginal fisheries; modelling. Population biology and assessments of commercial invertebrate species, particularly snow crab and lobsters; invertebrate population modelling.

Contact

Dr. Ross Claytor
Manager
Population Ecology Division
Science Branch
Tel.: 902-426-4721
Fax: 902-426-1506
E-mail: Ross.Claytor@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Bedford Institute of Oceanography
P.O. Box 1006
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
B2Y 4A2

Fields of Research

Ocean Sciences Division – Physical: dynamics, climatology modelling, mixing on continental shelves, deep sea and nearshore air/sea interaction; sea ice. Biological: biological and Environmental mechanisms underlying marine production, pelagic marine ecology; fisheries ecology. Technical development: applied physics studies towards development of physical, chemical, and biological sensors.

Contact

Michel Mitchell
Manager
Ocean Sciences Division
Science Branch
Tel.: 902-426-8366
Fax: 902-426-5153
E-mail: michel.mitchell@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Bedford Institute of Oceanography
P.O. Box 1006
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
B2Y 4A2

Fields of Research

Ecosystem Research Division – Marine habitat studies: inshore/offshore molluscan studies; impact of fisheries on fish habitat; and contaminant fluxes in Arctic food webs; sublethal effects of hydrocarbon exploration. Ecology: development of ecological models; and benthic-pelagic exchanges, biological and environmental mechanisms underlying marine production. Biochemical indicators of health of aquatic animals, detection and risk assessment of organic chemicals in fish and environment samples. Chemical: inorganic and radionuclide matter.

Contact

Dr. Alain Vézina
Manager
Ecosystem Research Division
Science Branch
Tel.: 902-426-7706
Fax: 902-426-6695
E-mail: alain.vezina@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Bedford Institute of Oceanography
P.O. Box 1006
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
B2Y 4A2

Fields of Research

Hydrography: The Canadian Hydrographic Service has three pillars to its mandate – marine transportation, seabed mapping, and sovereignty and security. The mandate is met with paper and electronic charts and publications; seabed imagery and 3-D models of ocean and lake beds to support integrated management of these submerged lands for exploration, exploitation and conservation; and employing the science of hydrography in the delimitation of marine boundaries to support Canadian security and sovereignty. Areas of research include: depth measurement by acoustical and optical methods; tidal phenomena; precise positioning (Global Positioning Systems); electronic navigation charts; hydrographic data collection, validation of data from a number of sources, data management, data integration, computer aided cartography (CAC); geographic information systems (GIS) and partnering with government, industry and academia to promote hydrography as basic infrastructure domestically and internationally.

Contact

Stephen R. Forbes
Director CHS (Atlantic)
Canadian Hydrographic Service
Science Branch
Tel.: 902-426-3497
Fax: 902-426-1893
E-mail: Steve.Forbes@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Bedford Institute of Oceanography
P.O. Box 1006
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
B2Y 4A2

Gulf Region

Gulf Fisheries Centre

(Bilingual work environment)

Fields of Research

Aquaculture and Environment Sciences – Finfish and shellfish health, and aquaculture of mussels, oysters, scallops and quahogs. Research on invasive species, contaminants, harmful marine algae and marine environmental quality.

Fisheries Sciences and Aquatic Resources – Stock assessment, population biology and fisheries management of snow crab, lobster, cod, plaice herring, Atlantic salmon, smelt, rock crab, gaspereau and American eel in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence, including Aboriginal fisheries. Studies on “listed” and equally vulnerable populations like striped bass and winter skate.

Oceans and Habitat – Habitat, integrated management, marine protected areas and aquatic ecosystem health in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Contact

Dr. Mike Chadwick
Regional Director
Oceans and Science Branch
Director
Science Division
Science Branch
Tel.: 506-851-6206
Fax: 506-851-2378
E-mail: michael.chadwick@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Web Page site:  www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/index-e.php

P.O. Box 5030
Moncton, New Brunswick
E1C 9B6

Quebec Region

Maurice-Lamontagne Institute

Fields of Research

Fish and Marine Mammals Branch – Fisheries research, stock assessments of fish; scientific advice for optimal management of stocks; fisheries oceanography; effects of environmental conditions and trophic relationships on the survival and growth of juvenile fish; population dynamics; fisheries acoustics, bioacoustics; genetics; physiology; energetics; migrations; ecology of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. Biology of marine mammals: systematics and genetics, ecology, energetics, and behaviour. Distributions, movements, and population dynamics.

Contact

Serge Gosselin
Director
Fish and Marine Mammals Branch
Tel.: 418-775-0637
Fax: 418-775-0542
E-mail: Serge.Gosselin@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Fields of Research

Invertebrates and Experimental Biology Branch – Invertebrate fisheries research, stock assessment of invertebrates and fish; scientific advice for optimal management of stocks; aquaculture research (scallops, mussels, cold water fish etc.); effects of environmental conditions and trophic relations on growth and survival of invertebrates; population dynamics; genetics; physiology; energetics; migrations; ecology of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Contact

Dr. Dominique Gascon
Director
Invertebrates and Experimental
Biology Branch
Tel.: 418-775-0631
Fax: 418-775-0542
E-mail: Dominique.Gascon@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Fields of Research

Ocean Sciences Branch – Biological oceanography: biomass and primary production processes; secondary production processes; zoo-and-ichthyoplankton larval recruitment relationships; general ecosystem studies in the estuarine and coastal environments. Physical oceanography: circulation and mixing due to freshwater influx; wind and tides; internal waves; remote sensing; numerical modelling. Chemical oceanography: carbon flux process.

Contact

Dr. Ariane Plourde
Director
Tel.: 418-775-0555
E-mail: ariane.plourde@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Maurice-Lamontagne Institute
850 route de la Mer
P.O. Box 1000
Mont-Joli, Québec
G5H 3Z4

Fields of Research

Ocean and Environmental Science Branch –  Physical and biological oceanography, biophysical modeling, toxic algal blooms, phytoplankton and zooplankton ecology, marine chemistry and toxicology, ecology and human impacts in coastal and benthic habitats, invasive species, impacts of hydroelectric development.

Contact

Michel Gilbert, M. Sc.
Director
Ocean and Environmental Science Branch
Regional Science Directorate
Tel.: 418-775-0604
Fax: 418-775-0718
E-mail: michel.gilbert@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Web site:  www.qc.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/iml

Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Maurice Lamontagne Institute
850, Route de la Mer, P.O. Box 1000
Mont-Joli, Québec
G5H 3Z4

Fields of Research

Marine Geomatics Engineering Division, Canadian Hydrographic Service – Depth measurement by acoustical methods; tidal phenomena; precise positioning (Global Positioning Systems); electronic navigation chart; hydrographic data collection, protection, and management; computer aided cartography (CAC); geographic information systems (GIS).

Contact

Marc Journault
Manager
Marine Geomatics Division
Canadian Hydrographic Service
Tel.: 418-775-0506
Fax: 418-775-0542
E-mail: marc.journault@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

850 route de la Mer
P.O. Box 1000
Mont-Joli, Quebec
G5H 3Z4

Central and Arctic Region

Freshwater Institute Science Laboratory

Fields of Research

The Freshwater Institute in Winnipeg, Manitoba, houses several programs of DFO. It is a national center centre of expertise in aquatic biology, and freshwater and marine fisheries. In conjunction with the Bayfield Institute in Burlington, Ontario, the Freshwater Institute serves as a focal point of scientific research in the Central and Arctic Region and for fishery, fish habitat and ocean management programs that are operated primarily through area and district offices. Extensive partnering with Aboriginal groups, other government agencies, community groups, university researchers and private industry ensures an efficient and effective approach to research, management and problem solving.

Contact

Dr. Susan Cosens
Division Manager, Environmental Science
Tel.: 204-983-8838
Fax: 204-984-2403
E-mail: Susan.Cosens@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Central and Arctic Region
Freshwater Institute
501 University Crescent
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3T 2N6

Fields of Research

Ecosystem studies on the Great Lakes focusing on lower trophic dynamics and food Web interactions; impacts of exotic species on diversity, production and energy flow; risk assessment to prevent further introductions; the effects of habitat alteration on the productive capacity of fish habitat; new toxic chemicals in Great Lakes fish and monitoring of the spatial and temporal trends of contaminant levels in aquatic biota; effects of toxic chemicals on ecosystem structure and function; effects of aquaculture on freshwater ecosystems; and research to protect and recover species at risk.

Contact

Scott Millard
Division Manager, Great Lakes Laboratory for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Tel.: 905-336-4702
Fax: 905-336-6437
E-mail: Scott.Millard@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Central and Arctic Region
Canada Centre for Inland Waters
867 Lakeshore Road
Burlington, Ontario
L7R 4A6

Great Lakes Laboratory for Fisheries
and Aquatic Sciences
Canada Centre for Inland Waters
867 Lakeshore Road
Burlington, Ontario
L7R 4A6

Pacific Region

Institute of Ocean Sciences

Fields of Research

Physical oceanography of processes occurring in fjords and over the continental shelf of the Northeast Pacific and Western Arctic; large-scale ocean circulation; sea ice-ocean interaction; numerical modelling; remote sensing. Chemical oceanography on distribution, flux, and fate of chemicals and processes between sediment, biota, atmosphere, coastal waters, and open ocean; climate research; monitoring and modelling on air-sea flux and upper-deep ocean exchange of CO₂, climatic gases, and biogeochemical cycles. Biological oceanography with major emphasis on phytoplankton, zooplankton, and benthic infauna; mesoscale distribution of organisms and interactions with physical forcing such as advection and mixing, light adaptation of phytoplankton; zooplankton feeding and swimming behaviour; habitat and carrying capacity; fish-forestry interactions.

Contact

Robin Brown
Head
Ocean Science and Productivity Division
Tel.: 250-363-6378
Fax: 250-363-6690
E-mail: Robin.Brown@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Pacific Biological Station

Fields of Research

Aquatic ecosystem-based research including factors influencing structure and dynamics, interactions  and future forecasting; stock assessments and population dynamics of salmon and marine mammals, fish and invertebrates; recruitment mechanisms;  aquaculture of salmon and marine finfish; parasites and fish health; habitat and carrying capacity; biotechnology and genomics; DNA stock identification.

Contacts

Dr. Laura Brown
Manager
Marine Ecosystems and Aquaculture Division
Tel.: 250-756-7218
Fax: 250-756-7053
E-mail: Laura.L.Brown@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Mark Saunders
Manager
Salmon and Freshwater Ecosystems Division
Tel.: 250-756-7145
Fax: 250-756-7053
E-mail: Mark.Saunders@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Pacific Biological Station
3190 Hammond Bay Road
Nanaimo, British Columbia
V9R 5K6