Grants and Contributions:

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Title:

Right Whale Satellite Tools Estimates of Prey Aggregations and Potential Whale Habitat

Agreement Number:

23SUESWHAL

Agreement Value:

$225,000.00

Agreement Date:

Mar 24, 2024 - Mar 31, 2027

Description:

The locations of zooplankton-food for Right Whales can be linked to ocean fronts which can therefore be a predictor for their habitat. The reserachers propose to detect these fronts from sea surface temperature patterns, which can be obtained from satellite observations. Their focus is the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which is recognized as a whale feeding area. Using probability distribution functions of frontal activity and whale sightings, they will develop probability maps for Right Whale aggregation patterns. They will also correlate these results with satellite-derived indices of dominant currents, like the Gaspé Current, which provides the zooplankton-food for the whales.

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:

Halifax, Nova Scotia, CA B3H 4H6

Reference Number:

003-2023-2024-Q4-00061

Agreement Type:

Grant

Report Type:

Grants and Contributions

Recipient Type:

Academia

Recipient's Legal Name:

Dalhousie University

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.