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The Southern Ocean circles Antarctica and is one of the least studied regions on the planet despite being one of the most important ocean regions: in Antarctica, cold and salty water forms in winter, sinking to the bottom where it delivers oxygen and drives currents around the world.

Studying oceanography in Antarctica is challenging and requires large ice-strengthened ships and carefully engineered scientific tools.

Researchers at Dalhousie University and the Marine Environmental Observation Prediction and Response network, an organization started at Dalhousie and dedicated to supporting ocean-related research across Canada, are helping lead a groundbreaking Canadian Antarctic expedition aimed at uncovering how climate change is altering this vital ecosystem.

The expedition is being carried out aboard HMCS Margaret Brooke, one of the Royal Canadian Navy's new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels (AOPVs). Dr. Brent Else, a scientific director with MEOPAR, is on board the Margaret Brooke with 14 other researchers from across Canada, Dalhousie University and MEOPAR's Mobile Ocean Research Infrastructure (MORI).

MORI was developed by MEOPAR to improve the ability of Canadian researchers to access the ocean for research. This unique technology is designed to turn almost any ship -- even a warship -- into an oceanographic research vessel. Key elements of MORI technology and other cutting-edge technology in use on the expedition, were designed and built by ocean technology companies in Nova Scotia in co-operation with researchers.

Dr. Doug Wallace, a professor in Dal's Department of Oceanography and a scientific director with MEOPAR, and Dr. Else are available to discuss:

•   The important role of Nova Scotian companies in designing and building MORI infrastructure and other unique technology in use for the expedition

•   The connection between construction of AOPVs in Halifax by Irving Shipbuilding, and the development of the unique MORI equipment

•   How Canadian-made technology is enabling this groundbreaking Antarctic expedition

•   What this expedition could mean for Canada and its role in international ocean science

Please find more information on this expedition here.

Media contact:

Alison Auld
Senior Research Reporter
Dalhousie University
Cell: 1-902-220-0491
Email: alison.auld@dal.ca