Ninety-five percent of the world’s ocean remains unexplored and the opportunity for discovery is endless. Our oceans provide priceless insights into complex ecosystems, biodiversity, the environment, and so much more. Every year, scientists devote themselves to unlocking that limitless potential in order to understand our natural world through researching the complexities of the ocean.
Ocean research isn’t just one area of study. From minerals to mammals to microplastics, experts across fields and disciplines develop countless unique projects to further global understanding of what goes on beneath the waves. But without the ability to communicate their findings, these projects often go unnoticed. That’s why the Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response Network (MEOPAR) is committed to helping scientists break down science communications barriers through the Knowledge Mobilization Fund.
The Knowledge Mobilization Fund (KMF) supports researchers, post secondary institutions, not-for-profit organizations, and others within Canada’s ocean community, by encouraging them to think beyond the academic sector when sharing important findings. With the help of MEOPAR, successful applicants will have the ability to explore innovative approaches to engaging with a wider audience.
The recipients of the KMF will be able to inspire change and spark meaningful conversations about research by using creativity, imagination, and intentional communications.
If your work is something that would benefit from support of the Knowledge Mobilization Fund, stay tuned for a new call for applications coming in the fall of 2025.
The 2025 Knowledge Mobilization Fund selected 12 projects across Canada as this year’s award recipients. Join MEOPAR in appreciating each of these unique initiatives:
Glaciers in Transition: when Art and Science Converge
Led by Deborah Benkort out of the University of Quebec at the Rimouski Institute of Marine Sciences, this project addresses one of the most visible consequences of climate change in polar regions: the rapid retreat of glaciers into the sea and the resulting impacts on marine ecosystems.
This project will consist of an exhibition of high-resolution satellite imagery, followed by a workshop that offers a multifaceted exploration of the changes underway in glaciers and their ecosystems.
Signs of Life, Signs of Change: Environmental Research in Baynes Sound
Led by Marnie Branfireun from Vancouver Island University, this project incorporates several distinct communications tactics.
Using shoreline signage, a living ‘home base’ exhibit, developing educational materials, and much more, this project will raise public awareness about 10 key research themes as well as ongoing research in the area of Baynes Sound, located between Denman Island and Vancouver Island within the Strait of Georgia.
Tininnimiutait : Assessing the potential of local marine resources directly accessible from the shore to support food security and food sovereignty in Nunavik
Led by Christopher Fletcher out of the University of Waterloo, this project will result in the co-production of a book created in collaboration with community members in Nunavik and local organizations.
The book will serve as a knowledge mobilization tool with four key aims:
- to conserve Inuit knowledge held by Elders regarding marine species
- to disseminate research results about the influence of key environmental variables on these species
- to present simple monitoring methods that communities can implement to support decision-making in the context of climate change
- to provide information on the nutritional composition and safety of these species and their contribution to health and wellbeing
Enhancing climate action of citizen scientists on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia to support multi-level risk governance
Led by Floris Goerlandt out of Dalhousie University, this project will develop a citizen science platform to support data collection and knowledge mobilization in remote coastal areas.
Through the creation of online web tools, educational materials, and public workshops, this project will engage with and inform community members on the collection and management of ocean research data.
Apoqnmatulti’k in Action: Engaging Communities through Storytelling
From Sara Iverson with the Ocean Tracking Network out of Dalhousie University, this project is focused on the development of two children’s picture books based on Mi’kmaw knowledge garnered through workshops for the project Apoqnmatulti’k – a Mi’kmaw word meaning ‘we help each other.’ The books will be available in both English and Mi’kmaw.
Beneath the Waves: Uniting Filmmakers and Ocean Scientists
Led by Jennifer Jackson through the British Columbia Environmental Film Festival Society (BCEFF), this project will bring together ocean scientists and filmmakers in a workshop to co-design film ideas with an ocean focus.
2025 Indigenous Led Expedition Community Science and Youth Leadership Liaison
Led by Greg Jeddore, working with Miawpukek Horizon Maritime Services, this project will amplify the results of ocean research projects in the communities of the two Mi’kmaq First Nations in Newfoundland and Labrador: Qalipu First Nation and Miawpukek First Nation.
With a focus on communicating project outcomes with the communities, this project will foster meaningful discussions that better enable the communities to use scientific research to inform local decisions as well as provide input on national and regional policies that impact the local community.
Art-based communications integrated with Nukumi’s Teachings
Led by a Mi’kmaq traditional knowledge holder, artist, and professor, the purpose of this project is to advance Mi’kmaw-led protection across land and marine conservation areas.
A report is being developed as part of an early study for a possible new National Marine Conservation area. However, that report may not be accessible for coastal Mi’kmaw communities. This project addresses this gap and includes a knowledge mobilization plan to ensure that the information in the final report is presented in ways that are clear and accessible to Mi’kmaw communities – and that Mi’kmaw knowledge is shared in ways that are accessible to others.
Shipeku-Uinipeku: notre Saint-Laurent
Led by Roxane Lavoie out of Université Laval, this project will design and produce, in collaboration with Innu representatives and Elders, a travelling exhibition based on the results of the Shipeku-Uinipeku (Sea-Littoral-Berge in Innu-aimun) project: assessment of the sociocultural cumulative effects of maritime activities along the St. Lawrence on Innu communities – part of Transport Canada’s initiative to assess the cumulative effects of marine transportation.
This participatory exhibition will offer feedback to the communities through an engaging and culturally relevant initiative and will be open to all members of each of the 7 communities.
Quoddy Region education materials and end-user research plan for increasing the significance of research in decision-making
Led by Kim Reeder, working with Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik, this project will promote and advance the role of science and Indigenous ways of knowing as drivers of ocean management.
This project includes repackaging materials from community summits into engaging educational tools, such as a gamified Zine for students, and developing a plan with partners to ensure ocean science is meaningfully integrated into real-world decisions and actions.
Virtual Kelp Forests: Immersive Virtual Journeys that Inspire Inclusive Responsibilities for Coastal Transformation and Sustainability
From Jasmin Schuster with the The Kelp Rescue Initiative, this project will use footage captured with National Geographic-funded equipment to produce high-quality 360 videos of healthy kelp forests, sea urchin barrens, and kelp restoration sites where kelp has been actively out planted.
These videos will form the foundation for a multifaceted knowledge mobilization campaign aimed at educating the public and stakeholders about the ecological importance of kelp forests and why they need help.
NoiseTracker: Interpreting ocean noise for public engagement and knowledge sharing
Led by Valeria Vergara at the Raincoast Conservation Foundation, this project will follow a multiple-step process to educate the general public on the complexities of underwater noise, how scientists measure it, and the effects it has on marine life, as well as ways to reduce underwater noise.
This project will also develop a report and presentations to relevant stakeholders (including researchers, government and First Nation communities) to support science-informed noise management.
Whether you’re a researcher, an Indigenous person with connection to the ocean, an advocate for ocean health, or simply someone curious about our oceans, MEOPAR’s Knowledge Mobilization Fund can benefit you.
If you have an upcoming project you’d like to have supported, consider becoming a future KMF applicant. MEOPAR is interested in broadening KMF’s reach and welcomes diverse and imaginative projects.
Even if you aren’t active in the ocean research space, you can still help by supporting these projects, participating in their activities, and spreading the word about all of the important ocean research being done across Canada.
