Diving into Oceans Week

Dalhousie is a world leader in oceans research, with more than 100 faculty members generating groundbreaking work in the field.

But the region’s oceans expertise stretches well beyond campus. Between universities and government labs, 10 per cent of all researchers in Atlantic Canada are focused on oceans. And in Nova Scotia, oceans industries account for $5 billion in revenue—15.5 per cent of GDP—and 60,000 jobs.

With such talent, the oceans sector presents one of the province’s best opportunities for economic growth in the years ahead.

Dalhousie is helping champion that message by hosting Dalhousie Oceans Week, taking place June 1-8. The series of events will bring together scientists, industry leaders, government representatives and the public to celebrate the important role that oceans play in our economy, research, culture and way of life in Nova Scotia and the potential it holds for future prosperity.

“It’s through strong partnerships that build on our existing strengths that we can best leverage oceans expertise to generate real economic opportunity and world-class research,” says Martha Crago, Dalhousie’s vice-president research. “Dalhousie Oceans Week is our chance to help kickstart the enthusiasm and excitement that can help drive those partnerships, and celebrate all the exciting work that has been done so far.”

Highlights of Dalhousie Oceans Week will include:

• Dalhousie Oceans Week Gala, with 400 leaders, visionaries and scientists celebrating at the Cunard Centre. The event’s guest speaker will be Peter Nicholson, former president of the Council of Canadian Academies.
  
• Three public lectures on oceans, featuring Dalhousie biologists Boris Worm and Sara Iverson, and oceanographer Larry Mayer from the University of New Hampshire.
• The launch of the Halifax Marine Research Institute, featuring a free-of-charge symposium open to scientists, students and the public.
• Marine Biology Fun Days, bringing high school students to Dalhousie’s Aquatron laboratory for touch tanks and tours.
• “Arts and the Sea - A Celebration,” a panel hosted by the International Ocean Institute featuring local artists discussing their connection with the ocean.
  

Other events include various research and industry conferences, including the Canada-Germany Workshop on Cooperation in Marine Sciences and the Ocean Tracking Network's Canada Workshop.

For a full list of events, along with more information about Dalhousie Oceans Week, visit the website at http://www.dal.ca/oceansweek