Research priorities

OFI's ocean research focuses on two themes: 

• Changes — research examines key aspects of atmosphere-ocean interaction, resulting ocean dynamics, and shifting ecosystems 

• Solutions — research focuses on effective approaches to resource development that are sustainable, globally competitive, societally acceptable and resilient to change

Research benefits

OFI research will:

• improve prediction and mitigation of major storms

• help manage human activities as they relate to ocean resources

•  improve the potential for fisheries and aquaculture industries to meet global seafood demand in a sustainable manner

• strengthen marine safety

• transform how we monitor the ocean with new data capture and IT tools.

Geographic focus

OFI research focuses on the North Atlantic and Canadian Arctic Gateway, which includes the Labrador Sea and eastern portions of the straits of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.

The region's unique physical, chemical and biological processes make it an epicentre of international scientific interest and a predictor for the global ocean. Its deep overturning circulation results in the most intense carbon sequestration on the planet. It has a highly productive marine ecosystem and air-sea interactions that modulate the weather and climate of North America and Europe. Diminished ice cover has increased shipping in the Canadian Arctic, raising sovereignty, security, social and environmental issues.