Book 2, Tab C8 - Science at Fisheries and Oceans Canada

On this page

• Purpose
• The role of science at DFO
• Core science functions
• DFO scientists – Who we are
• Science advice
• Science and innovation
• Science decision-making

Purpose

1. Provide an overview of science at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
2. Outline DFO’s scientific footprint
3. Highlight DFO Science’s process to develop advice in support of evidence-based decision-making.

The role of science at DFO

DFO science provides information, analysis, and advice on key areas.

• Sustainable fisheries 
• Species protection and recovery
• Impacts of aquaculture on ecosystems
• Environmental and risk assessments
• Oceans management
• Safe navigation in Canada’s waterways 
• Science to support emergency response

Core science functions

Research

Produces the evidence base to inform management decisions

Program Monitoring

Ongoing long-term data help us understand and react to changes in our waters

Scientific Data

Generate and share data that are accessible, usable, and of known quality

Data Products and Services

Hydrographic products and surveys (e.g., digital charts)

Science Advice

Supports evidence-based decision-making

DFO scientists – Who we are

A highly skilled workforce, with science expertise spanning all areas of fisheries and ocean science

• Approximately 2,200 staff
• DFO Science works at research institutes, laboratories, experimental centres and offices across the country
• Science at-sea field component 
• Science collaborations and partnerships

Science advice

Our science advice supports evidence-based decision-making

• The Department's Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) provides peer- reviewed advice.
  • Provides a forum to challenge scientific analyses and come to consensus on advice for decision-making
  • Over 120 events and 230 – 300  publications annually
• Process includes external experts
• CSAS documents are published to ensure transparency

CSAS process

1. Call for requests for science advice
2. Developing requests for science advice
3. Developing the science advisory schedule
4. Developing the ToR and peer-review logistics
5. Analysis/working paper
6. Peer-review assessment and drafting the science advice
7. Submitting the science advice and supporting documents
8. Publishing the science advice and supporting documents

Science and innovation

Taking a collaborative approach

• Oceans Research in Canada Alliance
• Science Enterprise Centres
  • Multi-partner / collaborative
  • Pacific and Atlantic

Communicating our science

• State of the ocean reporting
• Supporting open data and open science initiatives

Science decision-making

High quality science

Continue to deliver quality science for decision-making about our oceans and aquatic ecosystems

Leading research

Conduct research that addresses current and emerging issues, including:

• Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems
• Safe Shipping
• Climate Change
• Blue Economy

Enhanced communication

Improve how we communicate our science

• Proactive
• Open
• Effective
• Modern

Constructive relationships

Build relationships with stakeholders, Indigenous peoples, and scientific community – at  home & abroad