REPORT RELEASED ON THE STATE OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN
VANCOUVER - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) released the 2003 Pacific Region State of the Oceans report today. This report documents the state of the ocean for the year 2003, and into 2004, with a focus on the Pacific Ocean.
Each year, scientific experts from various disciplines contribute to the State of the Oceans report, including climatology, oceanography (chemical, biological and physical) and fisheries stock assessment. Most contributors are from DFO, with additional contributors from Environment Canada and the United States. These experts examine the physical, chemical and biological state of the marine environment.
Extensive physical, chemical and biological data are collected during research vessel surveys. These data are then supplemented by information collected from coastal light stations, current meters, coastal tide gauge stations, ocean profilers, and weather buoys. Additional information is provided by satellite remote sensing (thermal imagery, chlorophyll, and sea level heights), observations from ships-of-opportunity and fishing vessels, and satellite-tracked drifting buoys. The compiled data are then assembled and analyzed into a State of the Oceans report.
The condition of the marine environment impacts on the yield (growth, reproduction, survival, and/or distribution) of marine organisms as well as the operations of the fishing industry. Changes in the state of the ocean may contribute directly to variations in resource yield, reproductive potential, catch success, year-class strength, recruitment, and spawning biomass. In addition, such changes can also influence the perceived health of the ecosystem as well as the efficiency and profitability of the fishing industry.
As with other scientific reports, the State of the Ocean report is peer reviewed by the Pacific Scientific Advice Review Committee. PSARC is the Pacific Regional body responsible for review and evaluation of all scientific information on the status of living aquatic resources, their ecosystems, and on biological aspects of stock management.
To view a copy of the annual Pacific Region State of the Ocean report, please visit http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sci/psarc/OSRs/Ocean_SSR_e.htm.
Contact:
Michelle Imbeau
Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
(604) 666-2872
