September 27, 2005 Source: St. Mary's University:
http://www.smu.ca/newsreleases/2005/27-09-2005.html Canada's Three Oceans Meet in Ottawa Canada has the longest coastline in the world, and a massive ocean space beyond these coasts. But are we using our oceans properly? That is a question to be addressed by Canada's top oceans experts, who will be attending a major conference in Ottawa, from September 29th to October 1st, 2005, in order to share their ideas and experiences. Researchers, managers and users of the oceans will be assessing what we know, and what we need to know, to avoid future crises in the oceans, and make our uses of the ocean sustainable. Canada's network on ocean research, the Ocean Management Research Network, will be holding its 2005 conference on the theme "Canada's Oceans: Research, Management and the Human Dimension." The conference comes at a time when concern is being raised about the state of the oceans, across Canada and around the world. "The meeting will help to connect the knowledge we have on oceans, to the need in Canada for better policy on oceans," says Dr. Tony Charles, Network Director. Dr. Charles is also a professor in Environmental Studies/Finance and Management Science at Saint Mary's, and is one of the key organizers of this major three day event. He was also recently awarded with a Pew Marine Conservation Fellowship – the world's only prize for professors, dedicated to marine conservation. According to Dr. Charles, the meeting will explore how people and the sea interact - whether that is through fisheries, aquaculture, oil and gas, ports and shipping, marine tourism, the navy and coast guard, coastal communities, and more. "A key to the conference, and indeed the Ocean Management Research Network itself, is the wide range of participants. This makes the conference a crucial forum for oceans professionals to connect with students – the ocean researchers and managers of the future," says Charles. The 2005 conference will focus on two themes. First it will examine how Canada's Oceans Action Plan is being implemented and the priorities for the future. Second, it will look at the special situation of Canada's Arctic Ocean, in terms of international sovereignty, community health and the like. The conference will also explore governance of the international seas, the Species at Risk Act, the health of the oceans, marine protected areas, the role of science and technology in the oceans, aquaculture, tourism and coastal development. The meeting begins at 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, September 29th, at the Government Conference Centre in Ottawa. The Ocean Management Research Network website (www.omrn.ca) provides further information, or contact the network's National Secretariat (Tel: 902-420-5010; e-mail: omrn@smu.ca). To reach an OMRN representative at the Conference please call (902) 441-3007 and you will be referred to the most appropriate person. Saint Mary's University is known for its community outreach projects, both in Canada and around the world. Saint Mary's, founded in 1802, is home to one of Canada's leading business schools, a Science Faculty widely known for its cutting-edge research, a comprehensive and innovative Arts Faculty and a vibrant Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. -30- For More Information: Paul Fitzgerald
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: paul.fitzgerald@smu.ca
www.smu.ca
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