Federative Research Projects
Exciting and innovative projects related to concrete national and global issues affecting preservation of the marine ecosystem and sustainable development.
Marine Acoustic Research Station MARS
MARS is a world-class applied research project focused on understanding and measuring underwater noise radiated by ships and proposing relevant methods for its reduction in synergy with Canadian shipowners and regulators.
It is co-directed by the Institut des sciences de la mer de Rimouski (ISMER) at the Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR) and the Innovation maritime with support from MTE and OpDAQ as well as navigation professionals (Algoma Central Corporation, CSL, Desgagnés, Fednav). The project is financially supported by Transport Canada, Quebec’s Ministry of Economy and Innovation, and the Saint Lawrence Economic Development Society.
Tracer Release Experiment (TReX) Project in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
Jointly supported by the Québec Maritime Network and the MEOPAR network, the TReX project aims to develop observational and predictive capabilities for marine dispersion following spills and advance intervention measures in coastal zones.
Transforming Climate Action (TCA)
TCA focuses on an improved understanding of the ocean’s role in climate change and developing mitigation measures in marine environments by integrating the realities of social, cultural, economic, and political systems.
TCA seeks to better characterize the biochemical processes governing carbon sequestration, develop CO2 emission mitigation measures in maritime contexts, and enhance understanding of the social, cultural, economic, and political systems underlying mitigation and adaptation actions to ensure they are effective, just, and equitable.
Auditif Project
The Auditif project aims to illuminate our understanding of the ecological and socio-economic impacts of sound and chemical pollution from maritime traffic on marine benthic life, and ultimately to develop management and monitoring tools.
Auditif will focus on species of vital ecological and socio-economic interest that have complex life cycles, including a dispersive pelagic larval stage. Examples include two bivalves: the blue mussel and the giant scallop.
Franco-Québec Laboratory of Research and Technological Development in Benthic Ecology BeBest
BeBEST is a Franco-Québécois laboratory focused on marine ecosystem studies. The group aims to develop new descriptors of coastal environments by blending skills from engineering sciences, ecology, art, and mathematical modeling. BeBEST thus develops connections between scientific and artistic approaches to explore perceptions of natural phenomena that deviate from traditional scientific protocols.
Underwater Soundscape Atlas
The MERIDIAN team based at the Institut des sciences de la mer de Rimouski (ISMER) and its collaborators have developed an interactive online atlas of ocean acoustic landscapes. This tool allows users to visualize and explore multiple modeled submarine acoustic maps at various depths, periods, and frequencies.
This project complements the creation of a marine acoustic research station in the centre of the Laurentian Channel, offshore from Rimouski. Co-directed by The Institut des sciences de la mer of the Université du Québec à Rimouski (ISMER-UQAR) and the Applied Maritime Research Innovation Centre, the project aims to acquire data on the sound signatures of ships transiting the St. Lawrence Estuary.
EEL Project (“Energetics, Education, and Legacy of the American Eel of the St. Lawrence River”)
The EEL project is an interdisciplinary research initiative bringing together researchers from biology and social sciences.
The project aims to:
- Better understand the biology and eco-physiology of the American eel through otolith studies;
- Document the many ways the American eel has historically influenced and still affects Quebec cultural;
- Develop communication strategies to inform and raise awareness about conservation issues affecting the American eel in the St. Lawrence River.