Canada invests in research to study effects of contaminants on Pacific aquatic ecosystems

The government of Canada is further investing in research to help improve understanding of the country’s oceans, lakes, rivers, and waterways as well as the many species that live in those bodies of water.

Around CA$1.18 million (US$945,000) will be allotted for research that will take place on the Canadian west coast. This funding will support three research projects addressing the biological effects of contaminants on aquatic species.

Local non-profit Ocean Wise received funding for two separate research projects. One project will benefit from CA$284,326 (US$226,735) in funding over three years to study the level of contaminants of concern in Southern Resident killer whales and evaluate related health impacts.

Ocean Wise also received CA$274,822 (US$219,156) in funding over three years to study the toxicity of microplastics in the Strait of Georgia.

Simon Fraser University received CA$625,996 (US$499,200) in funding over two years to study several factors that affect how contaminants related to oil spills impact Pacific marine species including oysters, sea urchins, and herring.

This project is funded under the Oceans Protection Plan’s Fate, Behaviour, and Effects Initiative, which aims to increase understanding of oil spill behaviour and its biological effects.