Bringing Sable Island to Canadians: Knowledge Mobilization Through a Novel Wireless Sensor Network

In this project, we aim to bring Sable Island to Canadians. Sable Island is one of Canada’s newest National Park Reserves, but few Canadians will ever have the opportunity to personally experience this remote island with its unique ecosystem of wild horses, endangered seabirds, and grey seals. The lack of access arises because (1) chartered flights to SableIsland are prohibitively expensive for most citizens, (2) Parks Canada Agency (PCA) personnel on SableIsland do not have the capacity to support a high volume of visitors, and (3) the island’s natural beauty and diverse ecosystem would be negatively impacted by expanded human presence. Despite the challenges of visiting Sable Island, there is widespread public interest in the island’ history and unique ecological community as described later. Consequently, PCA is strongly interested in making Sable Island ‘remotely accessible’ to Canadians.

We propose the development of a wireless (satellite-based) sensor network that will enable us to share near real-time environmental data and photographs with Parks Canada managers, scientists, and the general public through a continuously updated public website. Additionally, a related workshop will be focused on reaching representatives from municipalities and First Nations as well as other concerned citizens. Our data and KM activities will resonate with AtlanticCanadians who are now experiencing the effects of climate change as manifested in a changing ocean.