July 17, 2012

40 Priority Research Questions for Ocean Science in Canada

A Priority-setting Exercise by the Core Group on Ocean Science in Canada

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Summary

The world’s oceans are intrinsically important to Canada’s environment, culture, public health, economy, and society. For a country as geographically large and diverse as Canada, addressing the challenges of ocean science is complex and requires a high degree of coordination among scientific institutions and technology hubs. A key challenge for Canada’s science community is determining strategic research priorities that will be of value to both those who conduct research and for those who use research.

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The Question

40 Priority Research Questions for Ocean Science in Canada identifies 40 priority research questions that, if answered, would have the greatest impact on addressing future opportunities and challenges relating to ocean science in Canada.

Key Findings

In March 2011 the CCA was asked by the Canadian Consortium of Ocean Research Universities (CCORU) to undertake a two-part initiative on ocean science in Canada. The first phase was to identify priority research themes with the support of a Core Group of 22 ocean experts from Canada and abroad. This activity culminated in the development of the report, 40 Priority Research Questions for Ocean Science in Canada.

For the second phase of the initiative, the CCA undertook an in-depth, evidence-based assessment on ocean science. Ocean Science in Canada: Meeting the Challenge, Seizing the Opportunity was published in November 2013.

The 40 questions were developed in a collaborative, open and democratic process during a two-day workshop. With the support of a core group of 22 ocean experts the questions were identified and grouped under the following four research themes:

  • Improving fundamental scientific understanding
  • Monitoring, data, and information management
  • Understanding impacts of human activities
  • Informing management and governance

Expert Panel

A Priority-setting Exercise by the Core Group on Ocean Science in Canada