Stronger Together
A group of scientists gathered aboard the HMCS Margaret Brooke during the 2025 Antarctic Research Expedition, March 2025 / Cpl Connor Bennett
by Jamie Contos
MEOPAR’s partnerships are expanding capacity, breaking barriers, and setting a new standard for ocean research in Canada.
In a heavily siloed ocean sector, it’s difficult for research initiatives to maximize their potential without leveraging the skills, expertise, and infrastructure that exist across multiple disciplines. From academia, to industry and tech, to community involvement that encompasses Indigenous Knowledge Systems, there are extensive perspectives to leverage within Canada’s ocean sector, yet few projects find a way to bridge the gaps.
The Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction, and Response Network (MEOPAR) is committed to driving the future of Canadian Ocean science through coordination and collaboration. Recognizing the importance of partnerships, MEOPAR brings individuals and organizations together to create impactful initiatives that inspire positive change for our ocean and benefit Canadian communities.
These partnerships address key priorities such as advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada, promoting EDIA, and expediting strategic areas of emerging ocean research aligned with Government of Canada research priorities.
More than strengthening and furthering scientific projects, large-scale collaborations will support decision making, increase the resilience of coastal communities, improve access to ocean research data and infrastructure, and diversify Canada’s ocean-related research.
Past Collaborations
Over the last several years, MEOPAR has supported a wide range of collaborations that span across disciplines to further ocean science both within Canada and internationally. In 2025, MEOPAR had the opportunity to forge and strengthen many remarkable partnerships, highlighted below, are just a few:
Canadian Antarctic Research Expedition
Earlier this year, MEOPAR worked alongside the Royal Canadian Navy | Marine royale canadienne, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Hawboldt Industries, and seven post secondary institutions across the country to facilitate a record-setting scientific expedition to the Antarctic.
“This was a significant opportunity because Canada has many excellent scientists who study Antarctica, but to do oceanography we usually need to join an expedition led by other countries. That often means we don’t get to prioritize our own scientific ideas, and limits our ability to transfer our Arctic expertise to the Antarctic,” said Dr. Brent Else, co-chief scientist on the expedition.
“This wasn’t something we would have been able to do without such a large-scale collaboration. Partnering with the Royal Canadian Navy to work on one of their newest ships was an amazing opportunity to bring Canadian scientists from both government departments and universities together, allowing us to contribute to the international effort to understand the global ocean.”
The Council of Canadian Academies
To gain the information necessary to understand the barriers holding back ocean research across Canada, MEOPAR worked closely with the Council of Canadian Academies / Conseil des académies canadiennes (CCA) this year to conduct a nationwide survey and host a series of workshops. The data gathered focused on identifying pain points, gaps, and opportunities that can be addressed to pave the way for a collaborative research approach that brings together communities, academia, government, industry, tech, and nonprofit organizations.
“The partnership between MEOPAR and the CCA is a great example of how collaboration amplifies impact. MEOPAR brings a specialized network of ocean experts and practitioners who understand the challenges and opportunities at the interface of science, society, and the environment. Coupled with the CCA’s rigorous, multidisciplinary assessment process, this partnership deepens our collective understanding and strengthens the evidence base for decision-making,” said Dr. Tijs Creutzberg, President and CEO of CCA.
“Together, we’re helping to shape a more informed national conversation about Canada’s ocean future - one grounded in expertise, independence, and the best available evidence.”
Pacific Marine Science Alliance Society
More recently, MEOPAR has partnered with the Pacific Marine Science Alliance Society (PMSA) to expand ocean research capacity along Canada’s Pacific and Western Arctic coasts through a $300,000 initiative that will bring together national and regional expertise.
“We are honoured to be able to support strategic collaborations and we understand that opportunities like this one can go a long way to strengthening the quality of marine science. This collaboration reflects MEOPAR’s commitment to connecting and coordinating Canada’s ocean research efforts from coast to coast to coast,” said MEOPAR Executive Director, Jamie Snook, PhD.
“Together, with PMSA we are laying the groundwork for unprecedented collaboration, transformative research, and innovation that will benefit coastal communities, the blue economy, and our ocean.”
Call for Partnerships
Partnerships like these are essential to positioning Canada as a global leader in ocean science. MEOPAR is seeking organization-to-organization collaborators through its new Call for Partnerships.
Explore partnerships and work with us to create a stronger future for Canadian ocean science.
