Terms of Reference

21st Annual Meeting of the Atlantic Zone Monitoring Program (AZMP)

March 19-22, 2019
Montreal, QC

Chair: Peter Galbraith

Characterize and understand the causes of oceanic variability at the seasonal, interannual, and decadal scales;
Provide multidisciplinary data sets that can be used to establish relationships among the biological, chemical, and physical variables; and
Provide adequate data to support the sound development of ocean activities.

Seasonal and opportunistic sampling along sections to quantify the oceanographic variability in the Canadian Northwest Atlantic shelf region;
Higher-frequency temporal sampling at more accessible fixed sites to monitor the shorter time scale dynamics in representative areas;
Fish survey and remote sensing data to provide broader spatial coverage and a context to interpret other data; and
Data from other existing monitoring programs such as Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) lines, sea level network, near shore long-term temperature monitoring, toxic algae monitoring, or from other external organizations (e.g., winds and air temperatures from Environment Canada) to complement AZMP data.

Assess the biological, chemical and physical oceanographic conditions since 1999 through a peer review of the outcomes of monitoring activities in the four Atlantic regions.
Synthesize the multidisciplinary information gathered over the course of the program.
Evaluate and develop new data products aimed at meeting client needs based on regional input.
Review the activities of the Atlantic Zone Monitoring Program during 2018 and assess business, operational, logistical, database and remote sensing activities that require regional/zonal intervention, enhanced coordination or that need the attention of Science Directors.

Participation to CSAS peer review meetings is by invitation only.