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Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

Healthy oceans and seas are essential to our existence. They cover 70 percent of our planet and we rely on them for food, energy and water. Yet, we have managed to do tremendous damage to these precious resources. We must protect them by eliminating pollution and overfishing, and immediately start to responsibly manage and protect all marine life around the world.

Engagement

QENTOL, YEN Marine Biologist Shelly Selivanov, SFU Assistant Professor for the School of Environmental Science Dr. Ruth Joy, and QENTOL, YEN Senior Manager David Dick

FRESH WATER AND WATERSHEDS

OVERVIEW: PROTECTING AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS

Simon Fraser University (SFU) is actively involved in efforts to protect aquatic ecosystems, particularly focusing on the sustainability of salmon populations in British Columbia. Through initiatives like the Watershed Futures Initiative, SFU researchers collaborate with institutions such as the University of British Columbia and the University of Montana to study the cumulative impact of  logging, climate change, urban development and other stressors on salmon populations. This research supports the long-term resilience of these ecosystems by addressing the compounded effects of various environmental pressures and by advancing science-based conservation management strategies.

Additionally, SFU researchers participate in the Earth to Ocean Research Group, which is dedicated to conserving coastal and aquatic ecosystems through interdisciplinary approaches. SFU’s work includes studies on habitat restoration, sustainable fishing practices, and climate impact mitigation on marine environments. These efforts emphasize the university's commitment to minimizing human impact on aquatic habitats while collaborating with governmental and non-governmental bodies, including local Indigenous communities, to enhance ecological conservation strategies. These projects demonstrate SFU’s  strong commitment to research and initiatives that reduce physical, chemical and biological alterations of marine ecosystems and reflect the broader institutional priority of environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Stories

SFU professor Jeremy Venditti and his team at the River Dynamics Lab study sediment and erosion processes in the Fraser River Basin

RIVER DYNAMICS, EROSION AND FISH HABITATS

Environmental sciences professor Jeremy Venditti is the founding director of SFU’s School of Environmental Science. His team at the River Dynamics Lab conducts pioneering research on river dynamics, landslides and bedrock erosion processes, particularly in the Fraser River region. 

Venditti’s work has significantly advanced understanding of how landslides impact fish habitats, especially for salmon in the Fraser River. For example, following the 2018 Big Bar landslide, his team examined the long-term effects of such events on salmon migration and overall biodiversity in the Fraser Basin. They used advanced sonar technology to survey historical landslide zones and identify areas at risk, with the aim of creating predictive models for future landslides  that might affect fish populations and river flow stability.

Venditti's studies have challenged traditional concepts of river flow and erosion in bedrock canyons. His work demonstrated that river flow within these canyons is far more complex than previously believed, showing unique patterns of flow that significantly influence canyon erosion and sediment transport. This research has broader implications for understanding the relationship between mountain river erosion, sediment delivery, and lowland river management, particularly in populated floodplain and delta regions where stability is crucial for infrastructure and habitat conservation.

Venditti's work not only contributes academic insights but also aids in practical management of river ecosystems to mitigate the effects of natural events on critical habitats and communities. His interdisciplinary research has brought together environmental scientists, engineers and local First Nations groups to collaboratively address these environmental challenges and safeguard fish habitats in the Fraser River basin.

SFU & MIT Researchers find Science of sediment transport key to river conservation & protection

Researchers at SFU and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have devised a better way to measure how fast sediment flows in rivers—information that can help scientists and planners better prepare for flooding and weather-related events, understand salmon activity and even restore rivers.

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SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT

SFU’s PACIFIC WATER RESEARCH CENTRE 

The Pacific Water Research Centre (PWRC) at SFU conducts interdisciplinary research focused on water sustainability, with projects aimed at addressing critical issues affecting aquatic ecosystems, water management, and community resilience. Key initiatives include:

Green Infrastructure: PWRC promotes sustainable water management and urban resilience by supporting green infrastructure projects. These projects aim to reduce stormwater impacts, improve air quality, and restore habitats. PWRC collaborates with local governments to implement these systems effectively, addressing technical and institutional barriers to adoption, which often stem from limited municipal expertise and conflicting mandates between departments.

Creating Salmon-Safe Cities: PWRC works with the Fraser Basin Council to promote urban planning practices that protect salmon populations in urban watersheds. Their study on "Salmon-Safe Urban Standards" highlights the need for nature-based solutions to reduce pollution and enhance ecosystem resilience in urban areas, emphasizing stronger government regulations and public engagement to ensure sustainable development along the Fraser River and similar habitats.

Water Security and Public Health: PWRC's projects in global contexts include securing potable water sources and promoting agriculture in water-scarce areas. These initiatives highlight the importance of water management in both local and international contexts, particularly in regions with limited resources.

Through these and other projects, PWRC is committed to advancing sustainable practices and raising awareness of water-related environmental issues. The Centre actively collaborates with academic, government and community partners to address pressing water challenges.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Through engagement with the SFU community and our neighbouring stakeholders, SFU’s consultants have identified seven main objectives related to how the university manages its rainwater, while proposing 15 action items to guide SFU through the implementation of the strategy.

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COASTAL SYSTEMS AND FISHERIES

OVERVIEW

Simon Fraser University actively engages in protecting coastal ecosystems and fisheries through a variety of research initiatives, collaborations, and public outreach programs. A significant part of SFU's work is focused on sustainable fisheries, salmon conservation, and marine biodiversity monitoring.

SFU's Speaking for the Salmon initiative, led by the university’s Aquatic Research Cooperative, organizes symposiums and workshops to address conservation challenges facing wild salmon populations. These events facilitate dialogue between scientists, policymakers and community members to develop sustainable management practices for Pacific salmon and their habitats. The program has also examined the impact of aquaculture on wild salmon and coastal ecosystems, fostering a collaborative environment for exploring solutions to mitigate these effects.

In addition, SFU researchers have contributed to creating global indicators for assessing the health of marine ecosystems. This includes a recent tool developed in partnership with international organizations, which measures the extinction risk of various marine species, such as tuna, billfish, and sharks. By monitoring these species, SFU helps inform policy aimed at reducing overfishing and improving marine conservation strategies, especially for under-managed species like sharks.

Furthermore, SFU scientists explore the "portfolio effect" in fisheries—an approach that aims to manage fish stocks in a way that supports biodiversity while maintaining the economic viability of fisheries. This research promotes balanced practices that help protect vulnerable marine species and supports healthy coastal ecosystems over the long term.

SFU’s efforts extend to raising public awareness and involving communities in sustainable practices through educational outreach and open forums, contributing to broader conservation awareness within Canada and beyond.

STORIES

COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS AND COMMUNITIES

SFU professor Anne Salomon leads the Coastal Marine Ecology and Conservation Lab. Her work centers on understanding the interactions between human activities and coastal ecosystems, especially focusing on tipping points within marine environments. Salomon and her team study kelp forests, clam gardens and small-scale fisheries, using a blend of Western science and traditional Indigenous knowledge. Her research examines how historical marine management practices, such as clam gardens, can inform sustainable resource use and ecosystem resilience in the face of environmental changes.

A significant part of Salomon's research involves partnerships with Indigenous communities along British Columbia's coast. Collaborating with these communities, she investigates the recovery of keystone species like sea otters, whose presence can transform ecosystem dynamics. Salomon’s work on sea otters, for example, explores their impact on kelp forests and associated fisheries, revealing the interconnectedness of species in coastal food webs. Her research also contributes to marine conservation policy and ecosystem-based management practices by integrating ecological knowledge with Indigenous stewardship practices.

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OVERVIEW: OVERFISHING

SFU engages in outreach activities related to environmental awareness, including issues around overfishing, through various community-focused and educational initiatives. The School of Resource and Environmental Management (REM) at SFU is involved in research and community engagement on marine and freshwater ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on sustainable fishing practices and fish population dynamics. Faculty members from REM often work with community and conservation groups to address local issues, such as overfishing impacts on Pacific salmon populations and broader ecosystem health.

SFU's public engagement can also be seen through on-campus events, guest lectures, and collaborations with local and international organizations, where topics like sustainable fisheries and environmental ethics are often discussed. While there may not be a direct program targeting overfishing specifically, SFU’s efforts contribute to broader ecological awareness and the promotion of sustainable practices.

SFU's Public Square and Office of Community Engagement support educational programs that inform the public on sustainability issues. This includes collaborations with local organizations on projects aimed at conserving marine biodiversity and informing policy that mitigates the effects of overfishing. For instance, SFU scientists contribute to public discussions and academic panels addressing the cumulative impact of overfishing alongside climate change on ecosystems, further underscoring SFU's commitment to community education on these topics.

For instance, SFU's School of Environmental Science and the Faculty of Science often work on projects related to marine biodiversity and ecosystem management. These initiatives sometimes include community partnerships and public education components to promote sustainable fishing and address broader environmental impacts. Additionally, SFU’s commitment to sustainability includes engaging students and local communities in conservation efforts, some of which align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically those related to life below water (SDG 14).

SFU offers educational workshops and activities through its Science in Action program, which provides resources and hands-on science lessons to K-12 students. While not exclusively focused on overfishing, these programs frequently cover environmental topics and are an avenue for fostering awareness about sustainable practices among younger audiences.

Through these initiatives, SFU demonstrates an active role in public engagement and educational outreach that includes topics pertinent to overfishing and marine sustainability.

STORIES

SHARK PROTECTION

One in seven species of deepwater sharks and rays are threatened with extinction due to overfishing, according to a new eight-year study released today in the journal Science.

Specifically, the analysis found that sharks and rays are caught as incidental bycatch in fisheries targeting more commercially valuable species. However, they are kept due to the value of their oil and meat. This, partnered with a recent global expansion in the trade of shark liver oil, have resulted in steep population declines.

“About half of the world’s sharks are found below 200 metres, below where the sunlight reaches into the ocean,” says Nicholas Dulvy, Distinguished SFU Professor of Marine Biodiversity and Conservation. Dulvy collaborates with scientists worldwide to address global environmental challenges like the effects of climate change and overfishing on marine biodiversity. His research has contributed to regulating the shark fin trade, but there are no current trade or fishing regulations specific to deepwater sharks and rays. He recommends urgent depth and spatial limits to fishing activity implemented alongside catch regulations, bycatch mitigation, and international trade regulation, to protect this deepwater megafauna.

AVOID AND DETECT

SFU uses Avoid and Detect technologies to keep vessels safe and protect our oceans.

Avoid and Detect technologies can be used to protect oceans and at-risk species, detect illegal activates and secure borders. SFU’s Big Data Hub is partnering with government and industry to save at-risk species, stop human trafficking and illegal fishing, and secure our borders.

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Helping government protect fisheries and borders and prosecute crimes

Unreported and undetected ocean traffic creates maritime border security issues, poses a threat to human rights from human trafficking, and is a growing threat to fish stocks, costing billions of dollars each year. However, ‘dark vessels’, which do not broadcast their location or appear in public monitoring systems, avoid detection due to the lack of a comprehensive detection system to locate them. SFU professor of computing science Uwe Glässer is using satellite monitoring, artificial intelligence, big data analytics and data visualization techniques to recognize these ships, add them to a list of untrusted vessels and ultimately prosecute the owners to protect global fisheries and marine ecosystems.

COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES

As a coastal university, SFU has long been committed to sustainable fisheries. Part of SFU’s criteria for dining services vendors has been a commitment to sustainable fisheries. The Compass Group is SFU's primary food vendor and is committed to 50% of their fish and seafood being certified sustainable.

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The Management Agreement between Chartwells and Chartwells/Compass states the following: "All seafood Certified Ocean Wise or Marine stewardship Council Certified." Recently Chartwells/Compass has signed a contract with Seafood Watch. Ocean Wise and Seafood Watch work closely together, despite being separate organizations.  

Compass Group Canada has also adopted the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program as our rating program for sustainable seafood. By aligning their business practices and sourcing with Seafood Watch, they have reinforced their commitment to sustainability, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of ethical seafood sourcing. This decision reflects their trust in Seafood Watch's ability to deliver the most up-to-date, science-backed recommendations that truly protect ocean ecosystems while promoting responsible fishing practices.

Seafood Watch stands out by taking a holistic approach to sustainability, addressing not only the environmental impacts but also the social and ethical dimensions of seafood production. Seafood Watch evaluates the broader ocean ecosystem and social implications of seafood sourcing, ensuring that we can confidently source seafood that’s environmentally and socially responsible. By partnering with Seafood Watch, Compass Group Canada (and therefore SFU) can tap into a growing market of consumers who value responsible sourcing and are familiar with the integrity of Seafood Watch's "best choice" and "good alternative" ratings.

"Fish Cell Lines and Cellular Aquaculture," focused on innovative research in aquaculture using fish cell lines. Led by Dr. Mariya Gorshkov, the presentation focused on cellular aquaculture techniques and their applications in studying fish diseases, toxicity, and developing alternative seafood. The aim is to advance aquaculture sustainability through cellular approaches that minimize dependence on live fish.

Century-Old Salmon Data Reveals Key to Climate Resilience

A Simon Fraser University study has found that juvenile salmon in British Columbia are growing 35% larger today than a century ago due to climate change. Using fish scales collected since 1913, researchers discovered that salmon from deeper lakes grow faster, as these lakes provide cooler refuges during warmer summers. The study underscores the importance of preserving diverse freshwater habitats to help salmon populations adapt and thrive amid rising temperatures.

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SFU researchers partner on interdisciplinary salmon conservation project

Reversing a 40-year decline in Pacific salmon populations requires a collaborative approach that combines traditional Indigenous knowledge with archaeology and genomics.

A new project, funded by Genome BC, involves a team of researchers from the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Simon Fraser University’s Department of Archaeology and the University of British Columbia’s Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries.

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"Salmonvision" AI helps ensure health of wild salmon

SFU Biological Science professor Jonathan Moore and Computing Science professor Jiangchuan Liu are working with local and international partners, the Pacific Salmon Foundation and the Wild Salmon Centre, to develop AI technology to track wild salmon returns. The AI, nicknamed “salmonvision,” was trained to detect and track salmon passing through First Nation-run weirs in Northwestern B.C.

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Other recent events

Education through SFU’s media

OCEANS, MARINE POLLUTION, ACIDIFICATION

OVERVIEW

Simon Fraser University actively engages in research and initiatives targeting various environmental issues, including marine pollution.

SFU has conducted studies on marine pollution topics such as ocean noise and its impact on marine life. For example, researchers at SFU’s Department of Biological Sciences recently collaborated on studies with the Canadian military to assess and mitigate underwater noise pollution in military training areas. This research aims to protect vulnerable marine species like the Southern Resident Killer Whales by implementing noise reduction practices, including establishing cease-fire zones and awareness training around marine mammals. Although this is not an official policy from SFU itself, it highlights the university's proactive role in environmental research and collaboration with governmental agencies to minimize pollution impacts on marine ecosystems.

More broadly, SFU’s sustainability policies and strategic research align with the goal of addressing environmental concerns, focusing on biodiversity, ecosystems, and sustainability as priority areas. These policies shape the university's contributions to local and global environmental challenges through research and community partnerships.

STORIES

Partnership Aims to Protect Endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales

Simon Fraser University’s School of Environmental Science has partnered with the QENTOL, YEN (W̱SÁNEĆ Marine Guardians) to support the conservation of Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW). The HALLO project, led by Professor Ruth Joy, uses statistical models to predict SRKW movements in busy shipping lanes to prevent vessel strikes. The QENTOL, YEN monitor wildlife and sanctuary zones, providing local knowledge to assist the project. This collaboration merges Indigenous science with modern research, aiming to safeguard the 73 remaining SRKW and promote their recovery in their traditional waters.

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SFU Professor and Team Win World’s Toughest Row to Support Ocean Conservation

SFU professor Isabelle Côté and her all-woman "Salty Science" team won the women’s class of the World’s Toughest Row after completing a 5,000 km Atlantic journey in 38 days. Their mission was to raise $500,000 for marine conservation, benefiting organizations like GreenWave, which promotes sustainable seafood, Shellback Expeditions, supporting marine research and education, and the Bamfield Marine Science Centre, which will establish scholarships for underrepresented students in marine science. Their efforts aim to inspire the next generation of marine conservationists and promote sustainable ocean practices.

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Bamfield Marine Science Centre

SFU is one of five western-Canadian partner universities that operate the Bamfield Marine Science Centre. The centre provides SFU students and researchers access to a wide variety of coastal, marine and rainforest environments and is host to SFU Faculty of Science's Marine Science Program. 

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RESEARCH CENTRES AND LABS

FACTS AND FIGURES

  • 293 research publications relating to SDG 14, 2019-2023 (source: SciVal)
  • 41 active research projects related to SDG 14 funded from 2019-2023
  • Since the 2018/19 academic year, SFU has offered 3 courses relating to SDG 14, representing over 305 students
  • At least 49 researchers involved in research relating to SDG 14 (source: SFU Research Expertise Engine)
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