FIELDNOTES 2021 – 2022 Pacific Science Field Operations Cover illustration: Copper Rockfish (Sebastes caurinus) in an old growth kelp forest covered in Proliferating Anemones (Epiactis prolifera). Queen Charlotte Strait, BC. Photo credit: Pauline Ridings, Fisheries and Oceans Canada. FIELDNOTES 2021 - 2022: DFO Pacific Science Field Operations TABLE OF CONTENT . INTRODUCTION 1 . DFO PACIFIC SCIENCE 2 . SCHEDULED FIELD OPERATIONS: 2021—2022 3 . DID YOU KNOW? 5 . REPORTING RESULTS 6 . ANNEX A PACIFIC SCIENCE ORGANIZATION 7 . ANNEX B FACT SHEET SERIES: 2020—2021 DFO Pacific Science Field Operations 12 . ANNEX C DATASETS PUBLISHED: 2020—2021 18 FIELDNOTES 2021 - 2022: DFO Pacific Science Field Operations INTRODUCTION Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) conducts research and undertakes monitoring surveys of the marine and freshwater environment in support of sustainable fisheries, healthy aquatic ecosystems and living resources, and safe and effective marine services. In an effort to effectively inform and ensure Canadians feel engaged in the delivery of its science mandate, DFO produces Fieldnotes, an annual compendium of planned science field operations in the North Pacific and Arctic oceans, as well as in the coastal and interior waters of British Columbia and Yukon. Fieldnotes aims to: . inform Canadians of research and monitoring programming scheduled for the COVID-19 coming year; . promote the sharing of key information and data in a coordinated, timely, open and One year into the global pandemic, DFO transparent manner in order to encourage remains committed to delivering innovative dialogue and collaboration; science and services to Canadians. provide a platform from which to build and Following the suspension of scientific field nurture fundamentally more inclusive, trust- and respect-based relationships with all operations in the spring of 2020, DFO has Canadians; since resumed much of its field programming. reaffirm and honour the reconciliation All field activities that proceed continue to be commitment to renewed relationships with guided by a prioritization assessment, adhere Indigenous peoples based on the to guidance provided by public health recognition of rights, respect, cooperation authorities, and follow safe work procedures. and partnerships; Regular monitoring and evaluation of safety . foster conditions that facilitate the pooling of protocols remain paramount to ensuring the collective expertise, experience, and health and safety of DFO employees and their resources, and, families, as well as that of collaborators, . further DFO’s commitment to the principles Indigenous communities and the public. and pursuit of scientific integrity. For up-to-date information on the status of field operations, please contact the Lead To sum up, Fieldnotes is a contribution to DFO’s Scientists identified in Annex B, or visit commitment to continuous improvement, DFO’s website. stronger relationships, and to doing better together. 1 Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Pacific Region FIELDNOTES 2021 - 2022: DFO Pacific Science Field Operations DFO PACIFIC SCIENCE On behalf of all Canadians, approximately 750 DFO Science employees in Pacific Region are committed to fulfilling DFO’s vision of healthy oceans, aquatic ecosystems, species, and sustainable fisheries while ensuring the well- being and prosperity of the Indigenous and coastal communities that depend on these vital resources for their livelihoods. Through focused and collaborative initiatives aligned with the Department’s core priorities, Science Branch employees provide foundational services, products and advice for the Department’s management and conservation decisions, and play a pivotal role in ensuring commitments under several international treaties are realized. Refer to Annex A to learn more about the innovative, high quality research and extensive monitoring Science Branch employees undertake; the robust science advice, products and services they deliver; and the valuable data and information management services they provide in support of evidence- based decision- making. Pacific Region researchers and scientists conduct their work throughout the North Pacific, coastal and interior British Columbia, the Yukon, as well as the Western Arctic. Further, with a functional presence across the Region, Pacific Science staff are uniquely positioned to play a key role in the transformation of the Government of Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples based on the recognition and implementation of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership related to fisheries, oceans, habitat and marine waterways. 2 Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Pacific Region FIELDNOTES 2021 - 2022: DFO Pacific Science Field Operations SCHEDULED FIELD OPERATIONS: 2021—2022 Eighty DFO Science field operations have been scheduled for the offshore, nearshore, and inland waters of British Columbia and Yukon. 80 Fact sheets outlining details of this field programming are available in Annex B. Field Operations Fact sheet #82 references an additional 219 population, catch, and ecosystem monitoring projects in support of area-based salmon stock assessment in Pacific Region. By the Numbers Marine Intertidal Human Impacts and Research Monitoring 9 1 Hydrographic and Oceanographic Surveys 17 - Population and Ecosystem Assessments 37 5 Yukon and Transboundary Rivers Area 6 - North Coast Area 9 1 South Coast Area 31 3 Coast Wide - North and South Coast Areas 14 2 Fraser River and Interior Area 3 - 3 Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Pacific Region FIELDNOTES 2021 - 2022: DFO Pacific Science Field Operations Non-Indigenous collaborators in 79 37 field operations. 80 Women scientists leading 36 field 39 operations. Field First Nations and Indigenous organizations 34 & 14 participating in 30 field operations. Operations Academic institutions participating 29 in 26 field operations. National and international governments 15 Freshwater TOTAL participating in 27 field operations. 5 15 - 17 Stewardship organizations and research 17 6 48 institutes participating in 19 field operations. Businesses and industry associations & 10 businesses participating in 9 field operations. Port authorities participating 3 in 3 field operations. International commissions 3 participating in 3 field operations. Museums participating 2 in 2 field operations. - 6 - 10 - 34 - 16 11 14 4 Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Pacific Region FIELDNOTES 2021 - 2022: DFO Pacific Science Field Operations DID YOU KNOW? LabWorks Evidence Gathering Science staff working in DFO’s Science staff conducting field research and Consult Annex B for ship- or land-based laboratories monitoring collaborate with, support, and Field programming. process and analyze data and depend on colleagues in a wide range of samples collected by DFO or its disciplines and organizations in order collaborators. to deliver innovative, high quality Molecular Genetics Labs science in support of staff provide genetic stock evidence-based decision-making. identification and genetic health information for the assessment and Tech for Success management of fish stocks. Science staff develop, Aquatic Animal Health configure, maintain, and Labs staff provide aquatic operate a range of animal diagnostic information technologies to support non- and exploratory research on destructive biological infections and diseases. monitoring including Sclerochronology Lab staff Remotely Operated Vehicles assess the age of fish using (ROVs), drop cameras and scales, ear bones, and fin hydrophones, as well as Modelling our World bones to better understand non-destructive multi-beam Science staff combine the life history of populations. echo sounders and Light observations from the Staff from the Plankton Lab, Detection and Ranging field and laboratories the Nutrient Lab, the (LIDAR) scanners for studies to develop Chlorophyll Lab, and the seabed mapping. models and simulations Trace Metals Lab contribute that enable an improved to a better understanding of These technologies support understanding of the health of our ecosystems and resources. the determination of species fisheries stocks, abundance & identification, oceanographic Science staff working in the measurement of habitat processes, ecosystems Wet Labs systematically investigate the effects of a characteristics and changes interactions, and future stressor (e.g., high climate scenarios at the over time, in addition to temperature) or variable return captivating images global and local scale. (e.g., diet) on the and sounds. performance or physiology of individual fish and Peer Excellence invertebrates. Up-to-date Information Data Matters DFO’s Centre for Science staff provide Science staff provide data stewardship services in Science Advice - vital products and support of invertebrates, salmon, pelagic fish, Pacific leads information services groundfish, and marine mammal stock assessment, ~ 25 peer review that ensure the safety of marine spatial planning and protected areas, processes and Canadians and enable oceanographic and ecosystem modelling, bathymetry publishes ~ 40 the protection of aquatic and water level readings, the state of the Arctic and peer-reviewed Pacific oceans, and emergency response. ecosystems. These scientific articles include navigation annually through charts, sailing They keep data holdings secure and promote best the Canadian practices to support Findable, Accessible, Interoperable directions, notices to Science Advisory and Reusable (FAIR) data principles. They also mariners and shipping, Secretariat. respond to both