Benthic Ecosystem Mapping and Engagement

Resumo: Through a series of inter-connected, cross-disciplinary work-packages, this OFI project will address what role benthic habitat plays in controlling shifting patterns in species and biodiversity caused by a changing ocean climate. This will be examined across spatial scales, from: 1) broad-scale geomorphology mapping over the entire NWA and CAG, to; 2) fine-scale surficial geology and benthic habitat mapping using innovative technologies over local case study areas. The project will align with a major Ocean Super Cluster (OSC) project led by Kraken Robotics (OceanVision). In the next 3 years, this OSC project aims to map 20,000 km2 of ocean floor using innovative technologies at targeted locations in the NWA. This OFI project will work closely with industry participants of the OSC project to develop new signal processing and seafloor characterization techniques. Compiling these geospatial data sets will amass extremely large volumes of data, and the project will therefore link with DeepSense at Dalhousie for expertise in big data analytics. Strong cross-institutional collaborations will be fostered with industry (Kraken Robotics; Clearwater Seafoods; Nunavut Fisheries Association; Cape Breton Fish Harvesters Association; Quality Positioning Services; R2Sonics), government (Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Canadian Hydrographic Service; Geological Survey of Canada), and academic partners (Dalhousie University; Memorial University; University of Kiel; Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory; University of Florida; National Oceanographic Center, UK; UFES). The project will also work with indigenous and community groups to examine the role that Traditional Knowledge (TK) and Citizen Science can play in generating seafloor habitat information and maps against which climate-induced shifting patterns of species distribution can be determined. Finally, results from these research activities will be operationalized through continued engagement with industry, government and community end-users to test when, how and WHERE seafloor maps can facilitate sustainable ocean stewardship.

Data de início: 03/02/2020
Prazo (meses): 48

Participantes:

Papel	Nome
Pesquisador	ALEX CARDOSO BASTOS