When ocean knowledge remains locked within academic systems, communities lose access to insights that could help them prepare for risks, strengthen resilience, and make informed decisions about the waters that shape their lives.
MEOPAR’s Knowledge Mobilization (KM) Fund supports efforts to increase the uptake of research in society through unconventional and effective communication of today’s ocean science. Discover 12 newly supported projects that inspire change by pairing research with creative communication strategies.
ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ Kelp Forest Documentary (Redd Fish Restoration Society)
Led by: Mandala Smulders, Redd Fish Restoration Society
The Redd Fish Restoration Society will produce a 10‑minute bilingual documentary capturing the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla‑o‑qui‑aht) First Nation’s leadership in kelp forest research and restoration on Vancouver Island. Through powerful storytelling, the film will inspire Indigenous and non‑Indigenous youth, educators, conservation groups, and policymakers.
SEEDS Sediment Stories
Led by: Eric Balke, Ducks Unlimited Canada
Sustainable Ecosystem Enhancement with Dredged Sediments (SEEDS) will bring together community voices, technical experts, and policymakers to reimagine dredged sediment in the Fraser River Delta (British Columbia) as a shared resource for climate adaptation. Through storytelling, participants will explore nature‑based strategies and develop digital tools that support long‑term, collaborative sediment management.
Knowledge Mobilization in Unama’ki Using Etuaptmumk
Led by: Colette Mesher, Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Region Association
This project will translate hydrological and ecological modelling research into accessible guidance for Indigenous and municipal governments across Unama’ki (Cape Breton Island). Grounded in Etuaptmumk (Two‑Eyed Seeing), it will weave Western and Indigenous knowledge systems to support land‑use planning, conservation, and long‑term stewardship with the Eskasoni First Nation.
Whales and Community: Multimedia storytelling and knowledge mobilization in ekuanitshit (Mingan), QB
Led by: Carlos Dominguez-Sanchez, Mingan Island Cetacean Study (MICS)
This project will braid cutting-edge research on Gulf of St. Lawrence whales with local expertise from North Shore communities, through a film documentary, a series of community dialogues, and a trilingual (English, French, Innu-aimun) exhibition.
Artist Residency Program on the CCGS Amundsen
Led by: Amélie Desmarais, Amundsen Science
The Artist Residency Program on the CCGS Amundsen will invite Inuit artists from Kinngait Studios to join scientific expeditions aboard the Arctic research vessel CCGS Amundsen, creating artwork inspired by polar research and sea‑ice change. The program will strengthen relationships between researchers and northern communities while sharing powerful climate narratives through art.
Peskotomuhkatikuk Learning Hub (Phase II)
Led by: Kimberly Reeder, Passamaquoddy Recognition Group Inc.
The Peskotomuhkatikuk Learning Hub blends science and Indigenous knowledge to strengthen ocean literacy among young adults. Phase II will expand their online curriculum and deepen engagement by adding hands‑on activities that will connect learners directly to ocean stewardship.
Navigating the Possibilities
Led by: Vickie Pedneault, La Toison d’Or
Navigating the Possibilities is an immersive, participatory conference series that will invite audiences to grapple with real maritime challenges on the St. Lawrence River, Québec. Blending science, art, and collective problem‑solving, it will encourage participants to explore sustainable solutions and deepen their understanding of the river.
Lobster Stories
Led by: Sara McCafferty, Esgenoopetitj First Nation Fisheries
Lobster Stories will blend Mi’kmaq storytelling with scientific research to share insights on lobster ecology and climate change. Through training, community exchanges, and creative outreach tools, the project will support intergenerational learning and strengthen local approaches to marine stewardship.
Coastal Storm Impact Warning System in Ausuittuq
Led by: David Didier, Université du Québec à Rimouski
This project will co‑develop a bilingual (English and Inuktitut) early‑warning web app offering real‑time wave, water‑level, and coastal hazard information for Ausuittuq (Grise Fiord, Nunavut). Built with community leadership, the tool will help residents anticipate erosion and flooding using information tailored to local conditions.
Mikilaaq Rising
Led by: Zachary MacMillan‑Kenny, Melting Boundaries Film & Science Inc.
Mikilaaq Rising is a short documentary on Inuit Nunangat (Inuit regions of Canada) from the perspective of plankton, narrated by an Inuk youth. By connecting microscopic science with Inuit knowledge and community experience, the film will highlight the importance of water‑quality monitoring for the health of wildlife, ecosystems, and northern families.
Science Culture Podcast
Led by: Jessica Beaudette, Dalhousie University
Science Culture is a podcast series that will share on‑the‑ground stories of climate action across Atlantic Canada. Through conversations with researchers, practitioners, and community members involved in TCA/TranSECT (Transformative Adaptations to Social-Ecological Climate Change Trajectories) projects, it will bring complex ocean research to life and shows how collaboration supports coastal resilience.
Coastal Ocean Open Lab (COOL)
Led by: Dany Dumont, Université du Québec à Rimouski
The Coastal Ocean Open Lab will expand access to open‑source, low‑cost ocean instruments, enabling communities and organizations to participate in coastal monitoring. Through design sharing, technical guides, videos, and hands‑on workshops, the project will strengthen a collaborative network dedicated to open science and coastal stewardship
By creating space for shared learning and cross‑disciplinary exchange, MEOPAR helps ensure that ocean research can move beyond data collection and become a tool rooted in community resilience and collective action.
Learn how MEOPAR supports researchers, partners, and organizations through the Knowledge Mobilization Fund, and explore how you can get involved here.
