February 21, 2025 – Punta Arenas, Chile
Canada is stepping up in Antarctic research to expand our knowledge of polar regions and support global efforts to protect these fragile environments.
A team of Canadian scientists is boarding
His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Margaret Brooke for a groundbreaking Antarctic research mission. At the same time, Polar Knowledge Canada is strengthening international collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Instituto Antártico Chileno (INACH) for collaboration in polar science, as well as renewing the membership of the Canadian Committee for Antarctic Research (CCAR).Canada is an Arctic nation with world-class expertise in cold-climate science, including marine, atmospheric, terrestrial and remote-sensing capabilities that are relevant to the Antarctic research community. Our scientists have a strong track record of working with global partners to study the polar regions.
Canadian Antarctic Research Studies
A team of 15 Canadian scientists are setting off from Punta Arenas, Chile, on February 23, 2025, for a month-long voyage to Antarctica as part of Operation PROJECTION 2025-01.
The Canadian research team will conduct research in the South Shetland Islands and the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. These open-water and coastal environments, which share similarities with the Arctic, provide a unique chance to study climate change, glacial retreat, distribution of species, ocean currents and pollution like mercury and microplastics.
On board are researchers from Natural Resources Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and five Canadian universities. They are supported with funding from Polar Knowledge Canada as well as key support from the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Joint Operations Command, the Royal Canadian Navy and the command and crew of the HMCS Margaret Brooke who have invited the scientific expedition on board.
The science program for the voyage has been developed through a collaborative effort between the Government of Canada’s science-based departments the Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response Network (MEOPAR), a national academic network supported by the Strategic Science Fund. MEOPAR connects top marine researchers and highly qualified personnel across Canada with partner organizations and communities.
The Chief Scientist aboard the vessel is Dr. Thomas James, from Natural Resources Canada. He will lead the science program and management of the scientific activities on board HMCS Margaret Brooke with support from MEOPAR, which has developed mobile oceanographic laboratories designed to be taken on board vessels. MEOPAR is also organizing the academic participation in the science mission.
Memorandum of Understanding between Polar Knowledge Canada and Instituto Antártico Chileno
Polar Knowledge Canada and the Instituto Antártico Chileno confirmed their collaborative commitment by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Punta Arenas, Chile, prior to the departure of the science team.
Chile is an active nation in supporting and conducting Antarctic research. The MOU establishes a framework for cooperation for polar scientific and technological research and logistical support over the next decade, leading up to the next International Polar Year 2032-33. Polar Knowledge Canada and the Instituto Antártico Chileno will work under this MOU to establish collaborative priorities and activities to advance shared research and capacity in polar science.
Canadian Committee for Antarctic Research
Part of Polar Knowledge Canada’s mandate is to promote the development and dissemination of knowledge of the other circumpolar regions, including the Antarctic. Polar Knowledge Canada is Canada’s adhering body to the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research – the body that provides scientific advice to the Antarctic Treaty nations – and is a full member of the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs.
To aid in these responsibilities, Polar Knowledge Canada convenes the Canadian Committee on Antarctic Research (CCAR). Today, Polar Knowledge Canada announces the renewed membership of 10 new members of CCAR.
The advisory group provides expert advice on matters related to the development and implementation of Canada’s Antarctic Research Program as well as advises on opportunities to promote Canadian participation in Antarctic international scientific programs and related activities and promoting Canadian Antarctic Scholarship and Fellowship opportunities.
The new members are listed on Polar Knowledge Canada’s website and include experts from government and academia across diverse scientific disciplines.
Quotes
“We are strongest and achieve the greatest impact in the world when we work together and share our knowledge. This historic expedition by Canadian researchers to the Antarctic will benefit the North and Arctic in Canada and all the people who are vested in maintaining healthy ecosystems in the Arctic and Antarctic.”
Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs of Canada and CanNor
“As an Arctic nation, the Government of Canada strongly supports this historic scientific expedition in the Antarctic. The expedition is an excellent example of how international research collaboration can strengthen Canadian leadership in polar science. We are supporting work that will advance our rapidly evolving understanding of climate change in polar regions, and its implications for Canada and the world.”
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
"Canada has been a global leader in polar research for over a century. The HMCS Margaret Brooke expedition will help us better understand of how pollutants, such as chemicals and plastics, travel through the environment while also examining the effects of climate change on ocean currents, glacial retreat and species distribution. This work is critical as climate change continues to impact the polar regions at an unprecedented rate. I commend our scientists for advancing our knowledge of these environmental challenges—benefiting Canadians, strengthening our climate leadership and driving a more sustainable future."
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada
“Our oceans are connected, and the Southern Ocean plays an important role in the global ocean system. The more Canadians understand about it, the better positioned we will be to integrate robust scientific knowledge into policies and measures that enhance Canada’s resilience to climate change and other environmental challenges. I wish the scientists taking part in this historic mission a successful journey.”
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“Polar Knowledge Canada is deeply committed to increasing and sharing knowledge of polar regions to help Canada and our partners continually improve our stewardship of these unique and critical environments.”
Sue Kerr, Acting President and Chief Executive Officer, Polar Knowledge Canada
“Everyone who lives on this planet is dependent upon a healthy ecosystem in the polar regions. Canadian researchers are leaders in cold-climate research and are highly respected world-wide. Our research community is committed to furthering understanding and scientific collaboration in the Antarctic, which enhances our leadership in support of international polar science.”
Dr. David Hik, Chief Scientist and Vice-president of Research, Polar Knowledge Canada
“This is the first all-Canadian Antarctic research expedition and showcases Canada’s commitment to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. I’m proud of the scientific team we’ve assembled from three federal science departments and five universities. Our research in marine and terrestrial geology, oceanography and contaminants is positioned to advance understanding of the global effects of climate change. The deployment of the HMCS Margaret Brooke, an Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel, to support Canadian Antarctic research is a first, and we are excited to work with the Royal Canadian Navy and all partners in this historic venture.”
Dr. Thomas James, Chief Scientist, Canadian Antarctica Research Expedition, Natural Resources Canada
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