The University of Victoria on Wednesday (Aug. 16) received provincial funding to research the impact of marine climate change.
The $175,000 will go towards establishing UVic’s Experimental Ocean Climate Change Lab (EXCEL), which will use state-of-the-art equipment to measure the effects of marine climate change on organisms.
“Analyzing which species of B.C.’s coastal ecosystem are most sensitive to changes in ocean conditions is crucial to identifying vulnerabilities, enhancing fisheries and protecting biodiversity,” the province said in a news release.
EXCEL researchers will aim to better predict marine climate change by using experimental aquariums that can regulate temperature, oxygen levels and pH in a controlled environment. This will allow researchers to study species abundance, geographic shifts, food web models and biodiversity change, the province said.
The funding announcement comes as blistering temperatures below the ocean’s surface have been making international headlines. Waters off of Florida have hit hot-tub rivalling, triple-digit Fahrenheit readings, causing scientists to raise concerns over bleaching and even die-off events among that region’s most resilient coral reefs.
Ocean heating can supply warmer water that fuels hurricanes and dying coral reefs can increase the risk of coastal erosion and flooding. Global reefs are also worth $375 billion annually, according to the United Nations, as they house a quarter of all marine life, feed hundreds of millions of people, enable medicinal discoveries and support industries like tourism and fishing.
Both Canadian coasts have been impacted by the heat as North Atlantic water temperatures in spots off of Newfoundland have recently been recorded up to 6 C warmer than normal.
“The current marine heat wave and its impact on ocean ecosystems is one example of why we need research to mitigate the consequences of climate change,” said Lisa Kalynchuk, UVic’s vice-president of research and innovation.
The funding will help EXCEL probe causes, impacts and solutions for these devastating, climate-linked events, Kalynchuk added.
The province said understanding the effects of climate change on B.C.’s coasts will help better protect fisheries and aquaculture, along with the people who rely on them.
“Our government supports this vital research, which will help secure fish and crustaceans as valuable food sources, boost productivity and contribute to the resilience of the province’s economy,” said Brenda Bailey, minister of jobs, economic development and innovation.
With files from the Associated Press
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