State of the Atlantic ocean synthesis report, 2018

R.Y. Bernier, R.E. Jamieson, and A.M. Moore (Editors)

Summary

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has committed to informing Canadians on the state of Canada’s oceans and aquatic ecosystems. In 2017/18, DFO committed to producing a scientific synthesis report on the State of the Atlantic Ocean from which a plain language public report would be prepared. DFO scientists and external collaborators (i.e., Environment and Climate Change Canada) prepared summary reports on the current status and trends for seven theme groups: oceanography (physical and lower trophic levels), habitat/coastal and significant areas, fish and invertebrate communities, marine mammals, sea turtles, and seabirds. Summaries were based on published or peer-reviewed data and integrated over three Atlantic bioregions: Scotian Shelf, Gulf of St. Lawrence, and Newfoundland and Labrador Shelves. Complementary case studies were also developed to illustrate concepts, processes, stressors, or comparisons among bioregions. A synthesis workshop brought together collaborators to present and discuss the draft summaries and case studies. Participants agreed on key messages for each theme, including the nature, connectivity, and causes of both natural and anthropogenic changes that are occurring in the Atlantic Ocean.