Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
Research
Western-Led Project Revolutionizes Sustainability in Canada’s Fishing Industry
The $15.8-million Marine Biomass Innovation (MBI) initiative, led by Western Research Chair Raymond Thomas, seeks to create sustainable solutions in Canada’s fishing industry by fully utilizing marine biomass. Grounded in Etuaptmumk, or two-eyed seeing, the project integrates Indigenous knowledge with Western practices. Collaborating with Indigenous communities, industry partners, and global academics, the MBI project aims to drive economic development in coastal, remote, and rural regions, particularly benefiting Mi’kmaq communities. The initiative has already reached a key milestone with research agreements signed between scholars and Mi’kmaq Chiefs, and it aims to develop innovative products for sectors like agriculture, health, and cosmetics, enhancing community sustainability and resilience.
Advancing Fish Conservation and Aquaculture Sustainability: The Neff Lab
Dr Neff, an esteemed authority in fish behavior, genetics, and ecology, leads the Neff Lab in developing innovative research that enhances the conservation of native biodiversity and the sustainability of aquaculture. The lab's current project involves creating and validating experimental protocols and statistical models for using microsatellite environmental DNA (eDNA) to precisely estimate population changes in key freshwater fishes. This cutting-edge research promises to significantly improve fisheries management and conservation efforts. The Neff Lab collaborates with various academic, industrial, and governmental partners, providing valuable opportunities for students to engage in transformative ecological and genetic research.
Learning in the Field
The Western Science Departments of Biology and Earth Sciences offer students extensive hands-on learning experiences across five continents. Students gain practical experience from studying impact craters in Utah to exploring the rainforests of Costa Rica. Marine biology students have the chance to study at the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, home to the world's largest tides, where they learn oceanographic techniques and assess human impacts on marine ecosystems. Additionally, a unique field course on a remote tropical island in Belize immerses students in the vibrant coral reefs of Lighthouse Reef, where they conduct research while exploring the underwater habitats.
Aquatic Courses
The Department of Biology offers a range of courses focused on aquatic ecology. Aquatic Ecology explores water habitats, emphasizing the diversity and roles of zooplankton and microorganisms in both freshwater and marine ecosystems. The course also examines the ecological impacts of ocean acidification, invasive species, and eutrophication. Marine Environments delves into the ecological and physiological challenges faced by marine animal communities, including those in intertidal, benthic, planktonic, coral reef, and deep-sea environments. The course covers topics such as feeding, movement, defense, and life cycle strategies, with a strong emphasis on invertebrate examples.
Innovative Marine Education with Immersive Technology
Paul Mensink, from Western's Department of Biology, is renowned for his innovative use of immersive technologies to enhance student learning in environmental science. His most recent creation, MarineXR, allows students to virtually experience close encounters with a giant basking shark and explore key marine topics such as coral reefs, fisheries, plastic pollution, and invasive species. MarineXR is freely available on Google Play, the Apple App Store, and the eCampus open library, making these interactive learning experiences accessible to a broader audience.
Outreach
Western Science Speaks Podcasts
Western Science Speaks Podcast is a short-format interview show exploring work at the Faculty of Science. The show covers a wide range of topics in science relevant to a broad spectrum of listeners, such as environmental sustainability. One featured episode, Sharks Get Lonely Too, showcases Paul Mensink's work, a marine ecologist from Western’s Department of Biology. In this episode, Mensink discusses his research on sharks that have strayed far away from their natural habitats due to human-induced environmental changes. He also explains human-marine interactions and how we can #SaveTheSharks.
Arctic Seabed Mining: Legal and Ecological Challenges
Inspiring Minds is an initiative that aims to broaden awareness and enhance the impact of graduate student research while developing transferable skills. Carol Dyck, a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Law at Western, investigates the governance challenges of deep seabed mining in the Arctic Ocean. Her research examines the Draft Exploitation Regulations of the International Seabed Authority’s Mining Code and their alignment with upcoming international biodiversity agreements. Focusing on the ecological and legal complexities in the rapidly changing Arctic region, Carol's work contributes to crucial policy discussions aimed at establishing marine-protected areas in the Central Arctic Ocean.
Investigating Marine Microplastics
Surface Science Western (SSW) collaborates with a wide range of companies and clients to lead critical research into microplastics, addressing environmental concerns that affect aquatic ecosystems. Microplastics, tiny particles pervasive in every ocean and the most remote corners of the planet, pose significant threats to marine life and ecosystems. At SSW, researchers work to characterize these pollutants by analyzing plastics and fibers found on shorelines, in wastewater, and within aquatic species. Partnering with various stakeholders, they focus on identifying sources such as synthetic clothing fibers and cosmetic microbeads. The project aims to understand the extent of harm and develop strategies to minimize the environmental impact.
Operations
Sustainable Seafood on Campus
Western is committed to sustainably sourcing all seafood served on campus. Our efforts are supported by partnerships with Marine Stewardship Council–certified partners and Campus Eateries. A key supplier for Residence Dining has pledged to source all of its products responsibly, with 99% of their seafood supply coming from certified sustainable or responsible sources. Our campus eatery also features locally produced, handcrafted sushi, packaged in fully recyclable materials. By collaborating with organizations that prioritize sustainable practices, we reinforce our dedication to responsible and ethical dining on campus.
Reducing Plastic Waste
Western is actively committed to reducing plastic waste on campus as part of its broader environmental sustainability efforts. Western has implemented several key initiatives to minimize the use of single-use plastics. A significant step in this direction occurred when the university stopped selling disposable plastic water bottles across campus. These bottles are no longer available at university functions, vending machines, or any on-campus restaurants and vendors. Additionally, Western is reducing excessive food packaging, especially single-use plastics, in all campus food and beverage offerings. This is part of a broader strategy to promote sustainability, including better recycling and responsible litter disposal.
