The University of Victoria害羞草研究所檚 Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) initiative will receive a federal investment of $114.8 million over the next six years to advance ocean observing and expand the reach of its open access big data.

Announced Friday (Aug. 19), the funding will be awarded through the Major Science Initiatives Fund of the Canada Foundation for Innovation, a fund that covers portions of operating and maintenance costs of select national science facilities across the country.

Canada has the longest coastline of any country in the world and ONC is the only national ocean observatory 害羞草研究所� it operates more than 9,000 coastal and deep sea sensors in the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans.

The support will aid the observatory害羞草研究所檚 endeavour to develop climate crisis solutions, in addition to promoting safer coastal communities, Indigenous ocean data stewardship and a sustainable economy.

害羞草研究所淭his funding recognizes Ocean Networks Canada for its leadership and the profound difference it害羞草研究所檚 making on all three Canadian coasts and internationally,害羞草研究所� said UVic president and vice-chancellor Kevin Hall. 害羞草研究所淎s a research university, we take pride in working in partnership to create a better world 害羞草研究所� by taking action on climate change and working with partners to make life better on land and below the water.害羞草研究所�

Over the last 16 years ONC has expanded beyond its initial work in the Salish Sea to create an extensive network of underwater observing infrastructure. According to ONC president and CEO Kate Moran, real-time and long-time series ocean data enable a range of services that facilitate scientific discovery.

The data supports climate impact monitoring, maritime safety, innovation in climate change mitigation and even contributes to B.C.害羞草研究所檚 earthquake and tsunami early warning systems.

害羞草研究所淐anadians can be proud of their national observatory that not only yields valuable insights into this undersea world that covers two thirds of our planet, but also contributes to Canada害羞草研究所檚 climate leadership through innovation in ocean nature-based and technological climate mitigation solutions and coastal resilience,害羞草研究所� Moran said.

害羞草研究所淭his investment also means that ONC, through its work with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, can continue working with partners in Canada and internationally to advance projects in pursuit of healthier oceans, science that promotes ocean resilience and a citizenry engaged with the oceans害羞草研究所� role in supporting life on this planet.害羞草研究所�

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