Canada announces $80 million for new research to prevent oil spills in coastal waters

$17.7 million will be spent enhancing ocean models of winds, waves and currents in 6 ports, including Kitimat and Vancouver

The Government of Canada announced Monday it is funding new scientific research that will improve knowledge and new technologies to mitigate and prevent marine incidents, such as oil spills. The money is part of the $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan.

The funding includes the creation of a new $45.5 million research program to leverage collaboration among the best researchers across the country and around the world. The Multi-Partner Research Initiative will include a $10 million-a-year research fund to bring scientists together to improve the collective understanding of how oil spills behave, how best to clean and contain them, and how to best minimize their environmental impacts.

Scott Brison announces an $80M investment in science at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography on Dec. 18, 2017.

“Our government is committed to protecting our marine and coastal areas so that they are safeguarded for future generations. These new initiatives will ensure that Canada has the capacity to provide the best scientific advice and tools to prevent and respond to oil spills in our waters.” said Scott Brison, president of the Treasury Board of Canada, who made the annnouncement on behalf of the Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard minister, Dominic LeBlanc.

The funding also includes $16.8 million to support oil spill research to better understand how oil behaves and degrades in different conditions, including cold water.

As part of this investment, Canada’s Centre of Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research in Halifax, Nova Scotia, will increase its research capacity with more scientists and specialized equipment.

Funding will also go to external researchers across the country to study how various oil contaminants affect fish and other aquatic organisms.

Another $17.7 million will be spent enhancing ocean models of winds, waves and currents, so that emergency responders can accurately track spills and predict their path. Enhanced ocean modelling will also support safe marine navigation and help prevent spills from happening.

The investments in ocean modelling, oil spill behavior, biological effects, containment and cleaning techniques will ensure that Canada has both the capability and capacity to provide the best scientific advice and tools to prevent, and respond to, oil spills.

Advanced ocean modelling work will be conducted in six priority ports across the country:  Kitimat, BC; Port-Metro Vancouver, BC; Fraser River Port, BC; Port of Canso, NS; Port of Saint John, NB, and St. Lawrence River from Quebec City to Montreal.

‎”Our government recognizes the importance of environmental stewardship and getting our resources to market sustainably,” said Jim Carr, minister of Natural Resources Canada.

“By supporting research and technology to enhance marine incident prevention and response, today’s announcement will help ensure we have the best tools possible to protect our oceans for future generations.”