UVic's ocean monitoring program has been under the waves for 20 years, and it's an incredible journey! In the 1990s, a group of scientists from UVic and the University of Washington had a brilliant idea over coffee: what if we could use undersea communications cables to power scientific instruments on the ocean floor? This concept, sketched on a napkin, has become a reality, revolutionizing ocean monitoring. Ocean Networks Canada (ONC), owned and hosted by UVic, has been at the forefront of this innovation. The VENUS Observatory, proposed in 2002-2003 and deployed in Saanich Inlet, marked the beginning of continuous real-time ocean observation in Canadian coastal waters. But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that the focus on ocean monitoring has overshadowed the importance of addressing climate change impacts on the ocean. And this is the part most people miss... ONC's data has been invaluable for earthquake detection, tsunami wave detection, and ocean current data, all of which contribute to public safety and societal decision-making. However, the program's long-term collaboration with Indigenous and coastal communities is a shining example of how technology can support local knowledge and traditional practices. For instance, in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, instruments measuring sea ice thickness help residents determine safe travel conditions. But there's more to uncover... ONC's future priorities include expanding their reach to the North and Arctic, regions that are changing rapidly and require better understanding. So, what's next for UVic's ocean monitoring program? Stay tuned, as the story continues to unfold, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
