The State of the Pacific Ocean 2009 report has been published by the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS).

The State of the Pacific Ocean 2009 report summarizes the state of physical, biological, and selected fishery resources of Pacific Canadian marine ecosystems in 2009.

This year’s report is the eleventh report of an annual series. Published annually, State of the Pacific Ocean Reports are intended to help understand the natural variability of marine ecosystems and how they respond to both natural and anthropogenic stresses.

Chaired by Drs. Bill Crawford and Jim Irvine, the report reflects the contribution by the Fisheries and Oceanography Working Group (FOWG). DFO scientists provide advice about fish stocks and habitat status as well as the potential biological consequences of fisheries management actions and natural events. The FOWG is responsible for reviewing and evaluating scientific information on the status of living aquatic resources and their ecosystems, and on biological aspects of stock management. Its findings contribute to DFO’s management of fisheries and marine resources in Pacific region, and to science-based decision-making in the Department. The report also documents research by scientists in Environment Canada, Parks Canada, academics and U.S. scientists.

The report’s 2009 summary highlights salmon forecasts, ocean temperatures, the status of zooplankton thought to influence the growth and survival of juveniles of marine species, record high numbers of Humboldt squid, a focus on the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA), and contaminants in the Strait of Georgia.

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