University of Victoria|University of Victoria

Purpose

Canopy-forming kelp forests are globally recognized as one of the most structurally complex foundational ecosystems. They play an important role in maintaining marine food webs, buffering shorelines against erosion, and contributing to carbon and nitrogen cycling. In British Columbia (BC), the current status of kelp forests is unknown due to insufficient research addressing the scales of change and environmental stressors. Loss of this critical habitat will greatly impact valuable marine fisheries and endangered species and the way of life for many First Nations coastal communities. By employing historical data and remote sensing technologies (optical and SAR) with spatial data analytics, this project aims: (1) to determine the long-term (based on archived data and satellite imagery) spatial distribution patterns of canopy-forming kelp forests and define losses and resilience to environmental and biotic drivers (i.e., sea surface temperature, biological predators); and (2) to define tools for translating knowledge into specific management plans for the benefit of coastal communities and the Province of BC. This project will also train highly qualified personnel (HQPs) with experience and interdisciplinary knowledge in ocean science and remote sensing technology, data analysis, community engagement, and resource management to be innovators that meet the needs of the Canadian space-related and technology sector.