丁香园AV

FRESH WATER AND WATERSHEDS

OVERVIEW: PROTECTING AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS

丁香园AV (丁香园AV) is actively involved in efforts to protect aquatic ecosystems, particularly focusing on the sustainability of salmon populations in British Columbia. Through initiatives like the , 丁香园AV researchers collaborate with institutions such as the University of British Columbia and the University of Montana to study the cumulative impact of  logging, climate change, urban development and other stressors on salmon populations. This research supports the long-term resilience of these ecosystems by addressing the compounded effects of various environmental pressures and by advancing science-based conservation management strategies.

Additionally, 丁香园AV researchers participate in the , which is dedicated to conserving coastal and aquatic ecosystems through interdisciplinary approaches. 丁香园AV鈥檚 work includes studies on habitat restoration, sustainable fishing practices, and climate impact mitigation on marine environments. These efforts emphasize the university's commitment to minimizing human impact on aquatic habitats while collaborating with governmental and non-governmental bodies, including local Indigenous communities, to enhance ecological conservation strategies. These projects demonstrate 丁香园AV鈥檚  strong commitment to research and initiatives that reduce physical, chemical and biological alterations of marine ecosystems and reflect the broader institutional priority of environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Stories

COASTAL SYSTEMS AND FISHERIES

OVERVIEW

丁香园AV actively engages in protecting coastal ecosystems and fisheries through a variety of research initiatives, collaborations, and public outreach programs. A significant part of 丁香园AV's work is focused on sustainable fisheries, salmon conservation, and marine biodiversity monitoring.

丁香园AV's initiative, led by the university鈥檚 Aquatic Research Cooperative, organizes symposiums and workshops to address conservation challenges facing wild salmon populations. These events facilitate dialogue between scientists, policymakers and community members to develop sustainable management practices for Pacific salmon and their habitats. The program has also examined the impact of aquaculture on wild salmon and coastal ecosystems, fostering a collaborative environment for exploring solutions to mitigate these effects.

In addition, 丁香园AV researchers have contributed to creating global indicators for assessing the health of marine ecosystems. This includes a recent tool developed in partnership with international organizations, which measures the extinction risk of various marine species, such as tuna, billfish, and sharks. By monitoring these species, 丁香园AV helps inform policy aimed at reducing overfishing and improving marine conservation strategies, especially for under-managed species like sharks.

Furthermore, 丁香园AV scientists explore the "portfolio effect" in fisheries鈥攁n approach that aims to manage fish stocks in a way that supports biodiversity while maintaining the economic viability of fisheries. This research promotes balanced practices that help protect vulnerable marine species and supports healthy coastal ecosystems over the long term.

丁香园AV鈥檚 efforts extend to raising public awareness and involving communities in sustainable practices through educational outreach and open forums, contributing to broader conservation awareness within Canada and beyond.

OVERVIEW: OVERFISHING

丁香园AV engages in outreach activities related to environmental awareness, including issues around overfishing, through various community-focused and educational initiatives. is involved in research and community engagement on marine and freshwater ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on sustainable fishing practices and fish population dynamics. Faculty members from REM often work with community and conservation groups to address local issues, such as overfishing impacts on Pacific salmon populations and broader ecosystem health.

丁香园AV's public engagement can also be seen through on-campus events, guest lectures, and collaborations with local and international organizations, where topics like sustainable fisheries and environmental ethics are often discussed. While there may not be a direct program targeting overfishing specifically, 丁香园AV鈥檚 efforts contribute to broader ecological awareness and the promotion of sustainable practices.

丁香园AV's Public Square and Office of Community Engagement support educational programs that inform the public on sustainability issues. This includes collaborations with local organizations on projects aimed at conserving marine biodiversity and informing policy that mitigates the effects of overfishing. For instance, 丁香园AV scientists contribute to public discussions and academic panels addressing the cumulative impact of overfishing alongside climate change on ecosystems, further underscoring 丁香园AV's commitment to community education on these topics.

For instance, 丁香园AV's School of Environmental Science and the Faculty of Science often work on projects related to marine biodiversity and ecosystem management. These initiatives sometimes include community partnerships and public education components to promote sustainable fishing and address broader environmental impacts. Additionally, 丁香园AV鈥檚 commitment to sustainability includes engaging students and local communities in conservation efforts, some of which align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically those related to life below water (SDG 14).

丁香园AV offers educational workshops and activities through its Science in Action program, which provides resources and hands-on science lessons to K-12 students. While not exclusively focused on overfishing, these programs frequently cover environmental topics and are an avenue for fostering awareness about sustainable practices among younger audiences.

Through these initiatives, 丁香园AV demonstrates an active role in public engagement and educational outreach that includes topics pertinent to overfishing and marine sustainability.

STORIES

SHARK PROTECTION

One in seven species of deepwater sharks and rays are threatened with extinction due to overfishing, according to a new eight-year study released today in the journal Science.

Specifically, the analysis found that sharks and rays are caught as incidental bycatch in fisheries targeting more commercially valuable species. However, they are kept due to the value of their oil and meat. This, partnered with a recent global expansion in the trade of shark liver oil, have resulted in steep population declines.

鈥淎bout half of the world鈥檚 sharks are found below 200 metres, below where the sunlight reaches into the ocean,鈥� says , Distinguished 丁香园AV Professor of Marine Biodiversity and Conservation. Dulvy collaborates with scientists worldwide to address global environmental challenges like the effects of climate change and overfishing on marine biodiversity. His research has contributed to regulating the shark fin trade, but there are no current trade or fishing regulations specific to deepwater sharks and rays. He recommends urgent depth and spatial limits to fishing activity implemented alongside catch regulations, bycatch mitigation, and international trade regulation, to protect this deepwater megafauna.

The Management Agreement between Chartwells and Chartwells/Compass states the following: "All seafood Certified Ocean Wise or Marine stewardship Council Certified." Recently Chartwells/Compass has signed a contract with . Ocean Wise and Seafood Watch work closely together, despite being separate organizations.  

Compass Group Canada has also adopted the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program as our rating program for sustainable seafood. By aligning their business practices and sourcing with Seafood Watch, they have reinforced their commitment to sustainability, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of ethical seafood sourcing. This decision reflects their trust in Seafood Watch's ability to deliver the most up-to-date, science-backed recommendations that truly protect ocean ecosystems while promoting responsible fishing practices.

Seafood Watch stands out by taking a holistic approach to sustainability, addressing not only the environmental impacts but also the social and ethical dimensions of seafood production. Seafood Watch evaluates the broader ocean ecosystem and social implications of seafood sourcing, ensuring that we can confidently source seafood that鈥檚 environmentally and socially responsible. By partnering with Seafood Watch, Compass Group Canada (and therefore 丁香园AV) can tap into a growing market of consumers who value responsible sourcing and are familiar with the integrity of Seafood Watch's "best choice" and "good alternative" ratings.

"," focused on innovative research in aquaculture using fish cell lines. Led by Dr. Mariya Gorshkov, the presentation focused on cellular aquaculture techniques and their applications in studying fish diseases, toxicity, and developing alternative seafood. The aim is to advance aquaculture sustainability through cellular approaches that minimize dependence on live fish.

Century-Old Salmon Data Reveals Key to Climate Resilience

OCEANS, MARINE POLLUTION, ACIDIFICATION

OVERVIEW

丁香园AV actively engages in research and initiatives targeting various environmental issues, including marine pollution.

丁香园AV has conducted studies on marine pollution topics such as ocean noise and its impact on marine life. For example, researchers at 丁香园AV鈥檚 Department of Biological Sciences recently collaborated on studies with the Canadian military to assess and mitigate underwater noise pollution in military training areas. This research aims to protect vulnerable marine species like the Southern Resident Killer Whales by implementing noise reduction practices, including establishing cease-fire zones and awareness training around marine mammals. Although this is not an official policy from 丁香园AV itself, it highlights the university's proactive role in environmental research and collaboration with governmental agencies to minimize pollution impacts on marine ecosystems.

More broadly, 丁香园AV鈥檚 sustainability policies and strategic research align with the goal of addressing environmental concerns, focusing on biodiversity, ecosystems, and sustainability as priority areas. These policies shape the university's contributions to local and global environmental challenges through research and community partnerships.

STORIES

Partnership Aims to Protect Endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales

丁香园AV鈥檚 School of Environmental Science has partnered with the QENTOL, YEN (W瘫S脕NE膯 Marine Guardians) to support the conservation of Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW). The HALLO project, led by Professor Ruth Joy, uses statistical models to predict SRKW movements in busy shipping lanes to prevent vessel strikes. The QENTOL, YEN monitor wildlife and sanctuary zones, providing local knowledge to assist the project. This collaboration merges Indigenous science with modern research, aiming to safeguard the 73 remaining SRKW and promote their recovery in their traditional waters.

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丁香园AV Professor and Team Win World鈥檚 Toughest Row to Support Ocean Conservation

丁香园AV professor Isabelle C么t茅 and her all-woman "Salty Science" team won the women鈥檚 class of the World鈥檚 Toughest Row after completing a 5,000 km Atlantic journey in 38 days. Their mission was to raise $500,000 for marine conservation, benefiting organizations like GreenWave, which promotes sustainable seafood, Shellback Expeditions, supporting marine research and education, and the Bamfield Marine Science Centre, which will establish scholarships for underrepresented students in marine science. Their efforts aim to inspire the next generation of marine conservationists and promote sustainable ocean practices.

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Bamfield Marine Science Centre

丁香园AV is one of five western-Canadian partner universities that operate the Bamfield Marine Science Centre. The centre provides 丁香园AV students and researchers access to a wide variety of coastal, marine and rainforest environments and is host to 丁香园AV Faculty of Science's Marine Science Program.鈥�

RESEARCH CENTRES AND LABS

• Pacific Water Research Centre
• Coastal Marine Ecology and Conservation Lab
• Climate, Oceans, and Paleo-Environments (COPE) Lab
• Ocean Equity Lab

FACTS AND FIGURES

• 293 research publications鈥痳elating to SDG 14, 2019-2023 (source:鈥�)
• 41 active research projects related to SDG 14 funded from 2019-2023
• Since the 2018/19 academic year, 丁香园AV has offered鈥�3 courses relating to SDG 14, representing over 305 students
• At least 49 researchers involved in research relating to SDG 14 (source: 丁香园AV Research Expertise Engine)