The University of Victoria may be home to one of Canada’s major science initiatives ‒ and the only one in the ocean ‒ but Ocean Networks Canada’s global focus doesn’t prevent this UVIC-based research facility from playing an active role in the local community. The same Big Science that provides scientists and leaders with tools to understand our changing ocean is also offered with a local flavour to educate and engage our own community.
ONC’s Adrian Round leads a tour of the Marine Technology Centre, Sidney for the Indigenous Mini University Camp.
Since launching its first observatory in 2006, ONC’s mission to discover the ocean and understand the planet has constellated a galaxy of ocean science offerings and opportunities: everything from K-12 school programs, the Girl Guide Ocean Aware Challenge, summer camps, UVic undergrad courses, research projects and continuing education classes ‒ to working with local First Nations, earthquake and tsunami awareness, job opportunities, community collaborations and celebrations of all kinda. The list is as long as the Marianas Trench is deep.
AN OCEAN OF LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
On April 29 & 30, 55 lucky 12-16 year olds and 20 teachers will spend 2 fun days immersed in marine science and hands-on experiences. This year’s 4th annual Ocean Science Symposium is sold out, but find out more about last year’s Ocean Science Symposium and sign up here to stay informed about ONC’s upcoming activities & opportunities.
For the last few years, ONC partnered with UVic Continuing Studies to provide Victoria adults with an opportunity to dive deep into an understanding of ocean health.
Have you ever wondered what the next big earthquake is actually going to feel like? Well, on May 18, you can dial the seismometer up to M8.0 and find out for yourself! Quake Cottage is a free mobile earthquake simulator, which will be on campus as part of UVic’s Shake Zone Special Event during Emergency Preparedness Week.
THE SMARTEST COASTLINE IN THE WORLD
ONC infrastructure along the west coast of BC.
ONC has spent the last 2 years preparing for this Spring’s installation of a series of additional ocean sensors and community observatories up and down the BC coast. A vital part of this process has brought 38 Indigenous communities into the ocean science conversation, facilitated by ONC’s Indigenous Community Affairs and Learning team.
ONC hosts an information booth and facilities ocean science games with Nuu-chah-nulth youth at Padde to Ahousaht 2015.
After a 3-month commissioning period, these on-shore and underwater installations will expand ONC’s world-leading ocean observatories to make BC the smartest coastline in the world. This valuable community resource provides free access to ocean data, video and audio through ONC’s Oceans 2.0 data portal and Ocean Sense program.
Southern Strait of Georgia coastal radar data shows real time surface currents.
By the end of May, a high frequency radar antenna will be installed at Georgina Point on Mayne Island. When integrated with data from other nearby radars, this CODAR will expand our understanding of how currents move in the Salish Sea and Fraser River. This will contribute to improved marine safety for BC Ferries, the Coast Guard, boaters, kayakers and residents in Active Pass and surrounding areas.
SCIENCE-BASED DECISION MAKING AT A CRITICAL TIME.
Sensor data from the Saanich Inlet.
ONC has been measuring, archiving and delivering continuous sensor data from Saanich Inlet since 2006; one of the longest continuous high resolution time series of ocean data in the world. Over the next year ONC’s new data products will provide increasing insight into our unique marine environment. And all of the data is freely available on the Internet in real-time, to support local community interests as well as science and marine safety.
