Mobilizing Marine Biodiversity Research: The Canadian Healthy Oceans Network

1. Mobilizing Marine Biodiversity Research: The Canadian Healthy Oceans Network Ryan Stanley for Paul Snelgrove Memorial University Of Newfoundland A University / Fisheries and Oceans Canada Partnership

2. Changing Ocean Open Ocean Circulation change Acidficiation Temp. Fishing Effects Habitat Size (km2) Pollution Salinity Eutrophication Rainfall Disease Invasive species Hydrology change Near Shore Habitat loss 0 2 4 6 8 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 Scale of Threat (km2)

3. Why Now? • The scientific landscape is changing… • Ecosystem-Based Management • Convention on Biological Diversity • Law of the Sea • Oceans Act Recognizing importance of biodiversity in ocean function A technology revolution is underway in ocean sciences • Sampling Observation Modeling Identifying

4. CHONe Structure Chone = marine worm in Canada’s three oceans reflecting healthy benthic habitats • Theme Leaders • Paul Snelgrove (MUN) • Kim Juniper (UVic) • Peter Lawton (FOC) • Phil Archambault (UQAR) • Chris McKindsey (FOC) • Anna Metaxas (Dal) • Pierre Pepin (FOC) • Paul Snelgrove (MUN) Network Director Theme Biodiversity Theme Ecosystem Function Theme Population Connectivity CHONe Team: ~150 researchers • 43 co-investigators [14 universities] • 8 collaborators [DFO] • 6 Postdocs : 25 PhD : 20 MSc : 32 BSc

5. Ocean Health Theme #1 Characterization & Tools: What is the nature of cryptic diversity, the spatial distribution of biodiversity, & temporal changes in biodiversity? Theme 2: “Ecosystem Functions” Theme 1: “Biodiversity” Theme #2 Theme 3: “Connectivity” Ecosystem function: How are functions linked to biodiversity & agents of disturbance (natural and human)? Theme #3 Dispersal Dynamics: How does dispersal influence patterns of diversity, resilience, and source/sink dynamics of species and communities?

6. Research Program THEME I: BIODIVERSITY How species biodiversity relates to different ocean habitats THEME II: ECOSYSTEM FUNCTION Role of biodiversity in marine ecosystem services & predictive models to minimize human impact THEME III: POPULATION CONNECTIVITY Role of larval dispersal in connecting local populations

7. MA Example Theme #1 Where are the hotspots of biodiversity and how rapidly do species turn over in space? Gulf of Maine Roseway Basin Crowley Basin

8. Example Theme #1 Arctic Baseline 60 m2 Area Davis 942 Frobiser Bay Victoria James Bay Hudson Bay Beaufort-McKenzie Archambault et al. in prep

9. Example Theme #2 Biodiversity & Ecosystem Function Underwater Laboratories • Microbial dynamics • Sediment movement • Water chemistry • Community assemblages

10. Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 – postlarvae Settlement NFLD NFLD NS NS Passive Active Example Theme #3 B A Temperature Viscosity PLD Light attenuation Circulation ?

11. Example Theme #3 Evaluate dispersal and population connectivity in lobster

12. Example Theme #3 Evaluate dispersal and population connectivity in lobster Explore linkages between flow conditions, larval swimming ability and the biological and oceanographic environment • Field measurements of abundance and pattern • In contrasting systems [ Newfoundland and NS] • Baseline spatial and temporal variability in • abundance • Field measurements of passive flow field • High resolution flow field and passive mimics Comparison of methods to quantify lobster connectivity

13. Connectivity and Dispersal Evaluate dispersal and population connectivity in lobster • Lab experiments on behaviour • Larval growth, behaviour and survival in • different environments + • Biophysical models of larval • dispersal = Dispersal model for marine planning

14. Scientific recommendations Scientific recommendations Key objectives Key objectives Science transfer • Science • University • Government • Other Partners Conservation & Sustainable Use of Canada’s Oceans • International Policy • Sharing ideas • Sharing strategies • Sharing advice • National Policy • Federal agencies with oceans agendas

15. Science transfer • Good science • Ecosystem-based • management tools • Metrics for MPA • outcomes • Student training at • science/policy interface • Data products • Outreach products Biodiversity Ecosystem Health Taxonomic baselines New assessment methodologies Biology of critical species Defining critical habitat Disturbance models Products for End Users Environment and dispersal Impact of oceanographic events on recruitment Sources & Sinks

16. Science transfer Groups we’re working to partner with... MarBEF, Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function CHARM III, Channel Habitat Atlas for Marine Resource Management CERF, The Commonwealth Environment Research Facilities ESONET, the European Seas Observatory Network HERMIONE, Hotspot Ecosystem Research & Man's Impact on European Seas ICES, the International Council for Exploration of the Sea TRACES, Trans-Atlantic Coral Ecosystem Study PISCO, Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans PICES, North Pacific Marine Science Organization GNSBFA, Gulf Nova Scotia Bonefide Fishermen’s Association FFAW (NL), Food and Fisheries Allied Workers Union

17. Funding Partners Contact : Canadian Healthy Oceans Network Memorial University of Newfoundland St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada,  A1C 5S7 Tel: 709-864-6797Web: www.chone.ca