BACKGROUNDER,
Presentations and Demonstrations
World Oceans Day, June 6 to 8, 2014
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Coral Gardens of the Deep Sea
Presenter:
Dr Annie Mercier, associate professor, Department of Oceans Sciences, Memorial University
Location:
Parks Canada Visitor Centre, Signal Hill
Date & Time: Friday, June 6, 7 pm
The Ocean Sciences Centre (OSC) at Memorial University is a major facility for marine research on the
Atlantic coast, and is one of Canada's largest marine laboratories. It hosts the Department of Ocean
Sciences and, by virtue of its location, provides Canadian and international scientists and students access to
the flora and fauna of the northwest Atlantic Ocean. It is uniquely situated for shore-based studies of the
cold-ocean processes and subarctic, Arctic and deep-sea organisms.
Dr Annie Mercier is one of several scientists studying deep-sea corals in Newfoundland: “Research in the
Mercier Lab explores several aspects of the biology and ecology of cold-water corals that occur between
100 and 2000 m depth off eastern Canada. By keeping some deep-sea corals alive in the laboratory, we can
determine how they live, feed, grow, reproduce and interact with other species. Additional studies of
preserved specimens and of images recorded by remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) help us ascertain their
distribution and role in deep-water communities. In recent years, we have gathered exciting new findings
that expand our knowledge of these fragile creatures and will ultimately help protect the unique marine
habitats they create.” Dr Mercier is also passionate about outreach and education; her web site introduces
audiences to the world of marine invertebrates: http://www.ucs.mun.ca/%7Eamercier/
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Shark sightings in NL waters
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Presenter:
Location:
Date &Time:
Dr Sarah Wong, researcher, Grand Manan Whale and Seabird Research Station, NB
Parks Canada Visitor Centre, Signal Hill
Friday, June 6, 7:30 pm
Globally, sharks are becoming increasingly recognized as species of conservation concern. Threats to sharks in
Northwest Atlantic include: bycatch and entanglement in fisheries equipment and, in the case of Basking Sharks,
vessel strikes. A program to record sightings – called the Shark Identification Network (SIN) - is being introduced
to the province. The goal of the program is to provide the public more information on the ecology and
conservation issues of sharks and to offer a means for the public to contribute directly to shark conservation. SIN
provides a platform for marine users to contribute shark sightings and photographs to the two databases: the
Basking Shark Photo ID Catalogue which allows researchers to see whether the same sharks return to the same
region year after year and how individuals use these waters within the same season; and a Shark Sighting Database
which provides researchers a better understanding of shark distribution and occurrence in the Northwest Atlantic.
Dr. Sarah Wong and her colleagues have been studying the diving behaviour, distribution and abundance of basking
sharks in the Bay of Fundy since 2008. In partnership with World Wildlife Fund Canada, she initiated the Shark
Identification Network to learn more about sharks in the western North Atlantic. The Shark Initiation Network
(SIN) is a program of the Grand Manan Whale and Seabird Research Station in the Bay of Fundy, in partnership
with World Wildlife Fund Canada, with funding provided by Environment Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Fund.
See attached Quick Facts About Sharks in Newfoundland and Labrador Waters.
Demonstration of marine pollution response by Canadian
Coast Guard at Holyrood Marine Base
On-Site Contact:
Location:
Date & Time:
Mr Larry Crann, Senior Response Officer, Environmental Response
Holyrood Marine Base, Holyrood
Sunday, June 8, 10 am to 2 pm
The Canadian Coast Guard's Environmental Response (ER) program mission is to ensure an appropriate level of
preparedness and response capability for all ship-source and mystery source pollution incidents in waters under
Canadian Jurisdiction. To that end the Coast Guard implements a consistent approach for responding to marine
pollution incidents in all regions of Canada. In the Newfoundland and Labrador Region, Coast Guard maintains an
inventory of specialized oil spill response equipment and has a team of skilled, professional staff ready to respond
to marine pollution incidents. The Environmental Response Division has a staff of 13 people with extensive
expertise and experience in responding to marine pollution incidents regionally, nationally and internationally.
Using the National Response Plan as a framework, staff have developed Regional Response and Area Response
Plans for the region. An Environmental Response duty officer is on standby 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week to
investigate or initiate a response to pollution incident reports that are received at the 24-hour spill report
telephone number listed below. Spill Report (24-hours) 1-800-563-9089, (709) 772-2083
For further information, contact: DFO Media Line: 709-772-3375
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“Citizen Scientists” get involved in shoreline biodiversity
survey on Middle Cove Beach
On-Site Contact:
Location:
Date & Time:
Chelsie Archibald, Manager of Field Programs, Oceans Learning Partnership
Middle Cove Beach
Saturday, June 7, 10 am to 2 pm
The shoreline survey of biodiversity is based on the National Geography in Shore Areas (NaGISA) project, an
international effort that was part of the global Census of Marine Life. Dr. Paul Snelgrove, professor of biological
oceanography at Memorial University’s Ocean Sciences Centre, chaired the Synthesis Group of the Census of
Marine Life and lead the team that authored the book 'Discoveries of the Census of Marine Life'. The Census of
Marine Life was a 10-year project involving a global network of researchers from 80 nations to improve our
understanding of marine biodiversity -past, present and future.
Marine educator Chelsie Archibald and graduate students from the Ocean Sciences Centre who are familiar with
shoreline surveys will demonstrate the techniques used for the event in Middle Cove.
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Expansion of school program and public education program
planned for Ocean Sciences Centre in Logy Bay
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On-Site Contact:
Location:
Date and Time:
Danielle Nichols, Manager, Public Education Program
Ocean Sciences Centre, Logy Bay
Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm
The Ocean Sciences Centre is the only facility in the world with resident harp seals in an enrichment environment.
Seal programs over the years have been related to behavioural studies, psychological studies pertaining to life
processes and functions specific to harp seals and seal husbandry, involving the general care and maintenance of
seals with application of scientific principles. The seals are one of the main attractions of the facility’s public
education program, which sees thousands of tourists and local residents drop by annually.