Synthesis of freshwater science in Canada:
An overview toward informing discussion on prioritization of freshwater science activities

To support discussion on the development of a National Freshwater Science Agenda, Environment and Climate Change Canada has drafted a paper entitled Synthesis of Freshwater Science in Canada.

This discussion paper, with input from a team of subject matter experts based at Environment and Climate Change Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, investigates 25 key freshwater priorities, challenges, and issues facing Canada. The paper provides an overview of that investigation, identifying key science and knowledge needs for each of these 25 issues.

The paper is not a comprehensive collection of every freshwater issue in Canada. Rather, it is intended to provide a starting point for discussion on development of a National Freshwater Science Agenda.

The Science Agenda will identify freshwater science priorities, outline freshwater science and knowledge needs for Canada’s most pressing freshwater challenges, and lay the groundwork for more integrated, coordinated, and collaborative freshwater science, both inside and outside the federal government, over the next 10 years.