THUNDER BAY – TRANSPORTATION – “The Government of Canada is pleased to provide funding to Ocean Networks Canada for the Smart Ocean initiative. The data provided by this technology will contribute to a World-Class Tanker Safety System by enhancing navigation safety and marine oil spill prevention, and providing environmental protection for marine areas,” stated Lisa Raitt Minister of Transport.
“The contribution announced today by the Government of Canada will enable Ocean Networks Canada to continue operations of its world-leading ocean observing infrastructure and to harness its science and research capacity for the benefit of Canadians through enhanced marine and public safety, and increased environmental monitoring”, commented. Kate Moran, President, Ocean Networks Canada.
Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, announced today that the Government of Canada will provide up to $20-million over three years to Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) for its Smart Ocean initiative, which supports the World-Class Tanker Safety System. The funding will allow ONC to transform the oceanographic data it collects into navigational safety information that will help vessel operators and others avoid navigational hazards and prevent marine accidents.
The goal of the Smart Ocean initiative is to help prevent marine accidents, predict and warn of natural hazards, and improve overall marine situational awareness near Port Metro Vancouver, Campbell River, Kitimat, the Douglas Channel, and Prince Rupert.
ONC is a not-for-profit society that was created in 2007 to develop and manage ocean observatories and equipment, to serve as an international leader in the science and technology of ocean observing systems, and to maximize economic and societal benefits through commercialization and outreach.
Quick Facts
- The Government of Canada is providing up to $20 million to ONC for its Smart Ocean initiative, which supports the World-Class Tanker Safety System.
- ONC is an international leader in developing and implementing ocean monitoring systems, and operates two world-leading ocean observatories.
- ONC’s Smart Ocean initiative combines marine sensing technology with its powerful data management system, Oceans 2.0, so that coastal and offshore areas of Canada, particularly those slated for resource extraction or transportation, can be managed safely and following environmentally sound approaches.
- ONC collects oceanographic data using a network of ocean floor sensors and coastal radars along the West Coast.
