Adapting to Climate Change: Fisheries and Oceans Canada Continues its Research

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is continuing its efforts to better understand the impact of climate change on the St. Lawrence's marine ecosystem. Scientific teams in the Quebec region are therefore conducting several research projects to learn more about the situation. Here are the main issues under study:

• Long-term forecasting of storm surges;
• Conditions that influence ice formation in winter;
• Modelling of long-term variations in physical conditions;
• Long-term projection of biogeochemical conditions that govern ecosystem productivity;
• Biological impacts of acidification in deep waters of the Laurentian Channel;
• Impact of exceptionally warm conditions in 2012 on pelagic communities;
• Potential changes in the distribution of pelagic species in the Northwest Atlantic;
• Snow crab distribution and productivity under the effect of climate change;
• Impact of climate change on cod productivity;
• Use of habitat by harp seals in Arctic and subarctic environments.

Our scientific teams also participate in projects to develop tools and pratical approaches that will help the Department to adapt and take the observed changes into account within its management framework:

• Planning tool for taking into account water levels and extreme wave height in the management and decision-making related to coastal infrastructures;
• Assessment of potential changes in the distribution of marine species vulnerable to climates change;
• Prediction and potential changes in the start of spring migration in lobster, based on environmental factors related to climate change.

For more information, please contact us at info@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

Michel Gilbert
Science