Marine research received a major boost last week as federal and provincial governments chipped in $41.7 million toward Ocean Networks Canada, which manages the Neptune and the Venus underwater observatories.
The University of Victoria-run project uses sensor technologies to gather continuous data and images from the ocean depths and streams the live data around the globe. It includes the world’s largest deep-sea tsunami early-warning array, instruments to improve marine safety in the Strait of Georgia, and the first subsea instrument platform in the Arctic.
“The significance of this funding support cannot be overstated," said Kate Moran, president of Ocean Networks Canada. “It enables Canada to maintain global leadership in cabled ocean observatory technology and research while playing a major role in understanding our oceans in an era of significant change.”
The Canada Foundation for Innovation’s major science initiatives contributed $32.8 million, while the Ministry of Advanced Education came up with $8.9 million.
nnorth@saanichnews.com