For many Canadian marine scientists, the biggest barrier to research and collaboration is a lack of vessel access. A recent survey conducted by the National Research Vessel Task Team (NRVTT) showed just that – 86% of marine scientists lack sufficient access to research vessels and only a fraction have led expeditions as Chief Scientist.
To address this gap, the Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response Network (MEOPAR) created the Expedition Fund, a program designed to support Canadian leadership in ocean-going marine research.
Within this fund, the Strategic Support Horizon is dedicated to supporting expeditions that unite disciplines, foster collaboration, and advance national priorities. By providing resources for researchers who might otherwise struggle to attract vessel funding, this horizon ensures that innovative projects – whether addressing climate change, strengthening ocean observation networks, or building partnerships with Indigenous communities – can move from concept to reality.
In 2025, from coast to coast, six projects received MEOPAR funding to tackle critical marine challenges. Here’s how they’re advancing ocean research in Canada:
Recipient 1 – Pilot Project for Collective Fishing in Haute-Gaspésie
The collapse of groundfish and northern shrimp stocks has created a crisis in maritime Québec. At the same time, there is a strong interest and abundance of Atlantic lobster in Haute-Gaspésie. This pilot project utilizes vessel time to gather key data and co-produce knowledge aimed at establishing a sustainable and equitable lobster fishery through an ecosystem-based management model, in collaboration with researchers, fishers, and the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation.
Recipient 2 – Ecosystem-level impacts of noise on critical marine habitats in a climate refugium
The Salish Sea is a biodiversity hotspot and vessel corridor, making seabirds key indicators of change. This project continues monthly vessel surveys in Haro Strait to link seabird foraging with prey availability and assess noise impacts. Using eDNA, cameras, and acoustics, the team will build baselines to guide monitoring and mitigation, in collaboration with the University of Victoria, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).
Recipient 3 – Indigenous Led Expedition, South Coast Fjords
A 7–10 day expedition between Bay d’Espoir and the 3O Coral Closure will engage Indigenous youth in marine science and conservation. Through participatory science, Indigenous-led monitoring, and non-invasive tools, the project supports Canada’s commitment to protecting 30% of its oceans by 2030 and builds Indigenous scientific capacity with activities like eDNA sampling, CTD measurements, and cultural-science education.
Recipient 4 – Quantifying the role of geological carbon to the ecosystems of the St. Lawrence
The St. Lawrence Estuary faces carbon cycle disruptions from climate change. This project will quantify geological carbon contributions by identifying active outgassing, assessing variations in carbon flowrates and assessing the degree to which geological carbon is assimilated into benthic organisms. Using advanced technologies like ROV ASTRID, the research strengthens understanding of carbon fluxes and supports training for Canadian ocean scientists.
Recipient 5 – Uncertain-Seas: Land-to-sea continuum
The land-to-sea continuum project investigates the dynamic environments of coastal regions subjected to the combined influence of terrestrial and oceanic processes, and how they influence carbon uptake. This project studies terrestrial fluxes along the Saguenay fjord,using sediment coring and spatial analysis to uncover sources, transport, and long-term storage of matter, improving predictions of future environmental changes.
Recipient 6 – Monitoring Submarine Volcanic Eruption at the Endeavour Segment Offshore BC
The Endeavour Segment of the Juan de Fuca Ridge shows a high level of activity, mirroring those observed before a major volcanic eruption after a 1999-2005 sequence. These events suggest an imminent rupture, requiring a higher level of monitoring. This project will deploy 20 ocean-bottom seismometers to monitor earthquakes and volcanic processes, using machine-learning analysis to advance understanding of mid-ocean ridge volcanism and inform geohazard assessments with national partners.
MEOPAR wants to make it easier for Canadian ocean researchers to obtain funding for collecting observations at sea.
There are still opportunities to join MEOPAR in shaping the next wave of ocean research. MEOPAR currently has three Expedition Fund opportunities open for applications, the Strategic Support Horizon, the Major Expeditions Horizon and the Rapid Response Horizon
Learn more about our Expedition Fund and please reach out to the Expedition Program manager, jonathan.kellogg@meopar.ca, with any questions.
