Chemical Oceanography in Canada

• Published in: Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada
• Main Author: Mann, C. R.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1976
• Subjects: General Medicine; Arctic; Canada
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/f76-188; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/f76-188

Chemical oceanography is the most recently developed discipline of oceanography science in Canada. Only in the last few years have groups of chemists been formed in Canadian oceanographic institutions. Many of the chemists are new to chemical oceanography, they are still in the processes of developing their knowledge and sorting out those aspects of research in chemical oceanography that should be pursued in Canada.The problems posed by pollution have accelerated the development of chemical oceanography and have also had a considerable influence on the subject matter studied by the chemists. Concern with pollution has led to a concentration of the effort in estuarine and coastal zone problems. This will continue into the foreseeable future. It is desirable that the Canadian program be extended to include arctic studies, the continental shelves, and an effort should be made to acquire baseline into waters around Canada.More attention should be given to chemical oceanographic studies in support of fisheries, and the oceanography of the deep sea should not be neglected.Canada can not hope to undertake research in all aspects of such a complex subject as chemical oceanography. The best strategy at the present stage of development is to be selective, develop science of significance in the laboratories as well as addressing practical problems, and to ensure that there is adequate contact with work done elsewhere in the world.