The Ocean Networks Canada supports transformative coastal to deep ocean research and technology. It enables real-time interactive experiments, focused on ocean health, ecosystems, resources, natural hazards, climate change and marine conservation. This national facility is led by the University of Victoria for a pan-Canadian consortium of universities and partners.

The observatories collect continuous real-time measurements of temperature, salinity, oxygen, density, pressure, carbon dioxide, video footage, hydrophone recordings and many other properties. Data are considered real-time because they are streamed within seconds collection, allowing researchers and the public the opportunity to analyze changes in ocean properties first-hand from the comfort of their labs or homes.

Benefits of real-time data from the deep-sea:

• Increased scientific knowledge of the marine ecosystem and its processes
• Increased understanding of human impacts
• Natural hazard detection and warning for coastal communities
• Education opportunities

Science Plan Summary