Protecting Canada’s endangered whales through scientific research and collaboration
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announces Whale Science funding at UBC’s Beaty Biodiversity Museum
On March 8, 2019, the Government of Canada announced a collaboration with three Canadian universities to better understand the pressures facing endangered whales and to protect them from further harm. The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, announced that the University of British Columbia, Dalhousie University and the Université du Québec à Montréal will receive a total of $2.9 million in funding, under the Whale Science for Tomorrow initiative, for scientific research on the Southern Resident Killer Whale, North Atlantic Right Whale and St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga.
“The Government of Canada is committed to the protection and recovery of the Southern Resident Killer Whale, the North Atlantic Right Whale and the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga. Our investment today in science and research will contribute to the increased protection of these extraordinary creatures. I believe that by working together, we will advance our knowledge and find more solutions to the challenges facing these whales,” said The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.
This joint initiative between Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, will strengthen the ability of Canadian universities to support the Government of Canada’s whale conservation objectives, while preparing the next generation of scientists to ensure the long-term conservation and recovery of these endangered whales. The investment will enable Canadian whale experts to advance our knowledge of the threats that face these magnificent marine mammals. Our improved understanding will provide decision-makers and policy advisors with the information they need to develop innovative solutions to support enhanced recovery efforts. This investment will support approximately 24 jobs in the next two to four years.
Dr. Andrew Trites
Researchers at the University of British Columbia, lead by Dr. Andrew Trites, will receive $1 million over five years. Their study will employ a variety of methods, including tracking and monitoring, to determine if Southern Resident Killer Whales are able to forage for enough of their preferred prey, Chinook Salmon, to meet their daily nutritional needs. Five jobs will be supported by this investment.
“There is an urgent need to determine whether Southern Resident Killer Whales are getting enough to eat in British Columbia. Our research will answer this question by tracking the movements of fish and whales and determining the effects of environmental change, fishing pressure and vessel disturbance on nutritional status,” said Dr. Trites. “This funding will broaden the base of recovery research in Canada, accelerate the development of marine mammal scientists and ultimately increase the scientific information available to support government decision-making and conservation efforts for this endangered species.”
The other whale research programs that received funding include:
- Researchers from the Université du Québec à Montréal will use innovative techniques to advance their knowledge of the exposure of St. Lawrence Estuary Belugas to marine contaminants and assess the impacts on this population. Eleven jobs will be supported by this investment.
- Researchers from the Université du Québec à Montréal will use innovative techniques to advance their knowledge of the exposure of St. Lawrence Estuary Belugas to marine contaminants and assess the impacts on this population. Eleven jobs will be supported by this investment.
Tags: Andrew Trites, beluga whales, British Columbia, Canada, cetaceans, faculty, killer whales, marine ecosystems, Marine Mammal Research Unit, marine mammals, right whales, salmon, whales
Outstanding Achievement Award (ICES)
The Outstanding Achievement Award represents the highest expression of recognition for sustained advancement of International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) science.
This award recognizes outstanding performance by a member of the ICES community whose career has been distinguished by a continued commitment to excellence in endeavours of science, research, and leadership.
Leadership will have been demonstrated by the individual’s scientific achievements and sustained commitment to building ICES as a vibrant international institution adapted to future needs, and enhancing the value of ICES to its clients.
Collectively, the individual’s contributions will have greatly influenced and enriched the ICES community and ICES programmes over a sustained period.
Nomination package:
- Initially, nominations simply require a name and a few sentences about the nominee. The Awards Committee may then request additional supporting materials to assist the decision-making process.
ICES encourages nominations for mid-career scientists.
Deadline: Usually early-April
Outstanding Group Achievement Award (AIFRB)
The American Institute of Fishery Research Biologists (AIFRB) Outstanding Group Achievement Award recognizes sustained contributions of significant publications, exceptional service to the fishery profession, outstanding teaching or training programs, important discoveries or inventions and significant contributions to the advancement of fishery science.
Nomination package:
- To nominate a research group: Submit a letter fully describing how the nominee meets the criteria for the award.
- Include the name, address, telephone number and email address of the nominee
- A short resume of the nominee, and supporting letters.
Deadline: Accepted any time
Outstanding Individual Achievement Award (AIFRB)
The American Institute of Fisheries Research Biologists Outstanding Individual Achievement Award is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the advancement of fisheries science in North America as indicated by significant publications, exceptional service to the profession, outstanding teaching or training of students, and important discoveries or inventions.
One candidate will be selected each year by a committee of former award recipients and all nominees remain for consideration for three years.
Nomination package:
- Submit a letter fully describing how the nominee meets the criteria for the award.
- Include the name, address, telephone number and email address of the nominee
- A short resume of the nominee
Deadline: Accepted any time
Past IOF winners
Dr. Carl Walters (2012)
Clark Hubbs Research Award (AIFRB)
The American Institute of Fisheries Research Biologists (AIFRB) Clark Hubbs Research Award was established in 1986 to support travel expenses associated with professional development.
It is offered annually to AIFRB graduate students and other Associate members of the Institute in good standing.
The award is granted to cover travel expenses associated with presenting results of an original research paper or research project of merit at scientific meetings or to conduct research at distant study sites. The Award provides a maximum of $500.00; an individual may receive two awards in a lifetime. Three committee members are appointed by the President and are responsible for reviewing and selecting recipients for the awards. The number of awards varies depending on the annual budget approved by the Board.
Criteria for Evaluating Candidates
- Associate member in good standing
- Original paper or project of scientific merit
- Travel expenses not paid by study grants
- No more than two awards received in a lifetime
Deadline: Usually mid-June