Title:
Spatial-temporal resilience of kelp forests in the face of changing conditions in British Columbia Canada
Agreement Number:
22IUCVIC13
Agreement Value:
$167,932.00
Agreement Date:
Jul 20, 2023 - Mar 30, 2025
Description:
Canopy-forming kelp forests are globally recognized as one of the most structurally complex foundational ecosystems. They play an important role in maintaining marine food webs, buffering shorelines against erosion, and contributing to carbon and nitrogen cycling. In British Columbia (BC), the current status of kelp forests is unknown due to insufficient research addressing the scales of change and environmental stressors. Loss of this critical habitat will greatly impact valuable marine fisheries and endangered species and the way of life for many First Nations coastal communities.
By employing historical data and remote sensing technologies (optical and SAR) with spatial data analytics, this project aims: (1) to determine the long-term (based on archived data and satellite imagery) spatial distribution patterns of canopy-forming kelp forests and define losses and resilience to environmental and biotic drivers (i.e., sea surface temperature, biological predators); and (2) to define tools for translating knowledge into specific management plans for the benefit of coastal communities and the Province of BC. This project will also train highly qualified personnel (HQPs) with experience and interdisciplinary knowledge in ocean science and remote sensing technology, data analysis, community engagement, and resource management to be innovators that meet the needs of the Canadian space-related and technology sector.
Organization:
Canadian Space Agency
Expected Results:
The Research component of the program provides financial support to organizations to conduct space related research
and development in priority areas. It will support targeted knowledge development and innovation to sustain and enhance the Canadian capacity to use space to address national needs and priorities in the
future.
Location:
Victoria, British Columbia, CA V8P 5C2
Reference Number:
003-2023-2024-Q2-00013
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Additional Information:
The amount allocated covers more than one fiscal year.
Recipient's Legal Name:
University of Victoria
Program:
Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology
Program Purpose:
This program supports knowledge development and innovation in the CSA's priority areas while increasing the awareness and participation of Canadians in space-related disciplines and activities.
The Research Component aims to support the development of science and technology; foster the continual development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada; and support information gathering and space-related studies and research pertaining to Canadian Space Agency priorities.