Explore MEOPAR's Policies, Reports & Strategic Resources

MEOPAR is a bilingual, independent not-for-profit Canadian network that enables the advancement of ocean science through connecting and coordinating research efforts nationally. MEOPAR funds research, supports training, mobilizes knowledge, and forms partnerships to advance ocean science from coast to coast to coast.

Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response network.

MEOPAR is a national network with headquarters at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people. Our team spans nationwide and our funding supports projects across Canada.

MEOPAR is funded by the federal government’s Strategic Science Fund (SSF), receiving $38.1 million in 2024. MEOPAR also receives leveraged partner funding and in-kind support from universities, organizations, and industry. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors representing academia, government, and industry sectors.

You can join the MEOPAR network through our website, explore open calls for proposals and partnerships, or reach out directly at info@meopar.ca. Partnership opportunities include collaborative projects, event sponsorship, conferences, and Communities of Practice.

MEOPAR advances Canada’s scientific capacity to anticipate and respond to climate change and technological challenges, enhancing the resilience of communities and ocean-connected expanding the opportunities of a sustainable Blue Economy while protecting marine biodiversity. Visit our Science Strategy to read more about our science priorities.

MEOPAR’s science priorities are 1) Ocean protection and coastal socio-ecological system stewardship, 2) Climate change prediction, adaptation, readiness, and intervention, 3) Just and equitable opportunities in the blue economy, 4) Leadership in marine research infrastructure access and talent development. MEOPAR advances these priorities through investments in research, knowledge mobilization, and networking that strengthen alignment with national priorities.

MEOPAR offers several funding streams through our open Calls for Proposals. These include Community-led Research Funds, Knowledge Mobilization funds, Expedition Funds, and joint calls with partners. Visit the find funding page at meopar.ca to view current and upcoming opportunities.

MEOPAR has funded a wide range of ocean research projects across Canada. You can explore the full project database at meopar.ca/research-projects.

MEOPAR partners with a broad range of organizations across government, academia, industry, and the not-for-profit sector. Key collaborative ventures include CIOOS (Canadian Integrated Ocean Observing System), the National Research Vessel Task Team, and 13 active Communities of Practice.

MEOPAR’s primary mandate is to support Canadian ocean science, and most funding programs are directed at Canadian researchers and institutions. For questions about international collaboration or participation, please contact us directly at info@meopar.ca.

MEOPAR supports Canada’s ocean science academic community through research funding, training programs, knowledge mobilization resources, Communities of Practice, and through strategic partnerships.

MEOPAR offers a range of training opportunities including researcher awards, research internships, EDIA training, the Sea Experience in Shipboard Oceanography (SESO) program, and free webinars on topics ranging from professional development to knowledge mobilization. Visit meopar.ca/training for current offerings.

Universities can engage with MEOPAR as member institutions, through collaborative research projects, joint funding calls, or by participating in Communities of Practice. Visit our Partnerships page or reach out at info@meopar.ca to explore opportunities.

Yes. MEOPAR actively mobilizes research knowledge through Communities of Practice, webinars, a knowledge mobilization hub, and news and stories published on meopar.ca. MEOPAR is committed to ensuring research results reach audiences beyond academia, including policymakers, communities, and the public.

MEOPAR supports vessel-based ocean research through its Expedition Fund. Additionally, in 2020, MEOPAR established the National Research Vessel Task Team, which works to collate and address research vessel needs across Canada.

MEOPAR’s Expedition Fund, launched through the Strategic Science Fund, supports Canadian leadership in ocean-going marine research. Researchers can apply through open calls on the MEOPAR website.

Expedition research involves scientific work conducted at sea, often aboard research vessels, to collect observational data and advance Canadian ocean priorities. MEOPAR supports this work through the Expedition Fund and training opportunities for the next generation of ocean researchers.

MEOPAR does not maintain a list of ocean research vessels. Vessel owners and researchers are encouraged to engage with each other directly.