Royal Society of Canada Report on Marine Biodiversity – January 31, 2012

Canada has the longest marine coastline of any country in the world, along three of the world’s oceans.

Is Canada filling its role as steward and protector of our valuable ocean resources and marine biodiversity? How do we stack up to other nations? And what more do we need to do?

The Royal Society of Canada assembled an Expert Panel on Ocean Climate Change and Marine Biodiversity to answer some of these questions. The SMCC held an embargoed briefing to give journalists a chance to speak with some of the panel members about their work.

  • What national and international commitments has Canada made to protect our marinebiodiversity, and how close (or far) we are to meeting them?
  • What effects is climate change having on marine biodiversity in terms of the spread of invasive species, shifting ranges, and economic impact?
  • How do fisheries impact marine biodiversity, and how far are we from fishing sustainably?
  • How has the performance of the Department of Oceans and Fisheries compared with its pledges and policies?
  • What specific actions could the Government of Canada contemplate in order to improve the management of Canada’s fisheries and the restoration and protection of Canada’s marine biodiversity?

Panelists:

Jeff Hutchings, Killam Professor, Faculty of Science, Dalhousie University and Chair of the Royal Society of Canada’s Expert Panel

Andrew Weaver, FRSC, Canada Research Chair in Climate Modelling and Analysis, Professor of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria

Brian Riddell, Chief Executive Officer, Pacific Salmon Foundation

Dave VanderZwaag, Canada Research Chair in Ocean Law & Governance, Professor of Law, Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University

Recordings:

1. Introduction by Jeff Hutchings

2: Question period with all panelists

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