- About
- Commitments
- Sustainable Development Goals
- The Goals
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 3: Good health and well-being
- SDG 4: Quality education
- SDG 5: Gender equality
- SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation
- SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy
- SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth
- SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- SDG 10: Reduced inequalities
- SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities
- SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production
- SDG 13: Climate action
- SDG 14: Life below water
- SDG 15: Life on land
- SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
- About
- The Goals
- SFU at COP
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Sustainability and Climate Plan
- Reports
- Get involved
- Contact
Life below water
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
PROTECTING AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
MINIMISE PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL, AND/OR BIOLOGICAL ALTERATIONS OF RELATED AQUATIC SYSTEMS
Simon Fraser University (SFU) is committed to minimizing physical, chemical, and biological alterations to aquatic ecosystems through collaborative, science-based research and partnerships.
The Aquatic Research Cooperative (ARC) Institute serves as a hub connecting SFU researchers with environmental management agencies such as Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). By fostering collaboration among experts in forestry, fisheries, water, and wildlife management, ARC develops multidisciplinary solutions to complex challenges in aquatic conservation. Its work focuses on the study and management of fish and fisheries, helping to restore habitats, inform sustainable practices, and protect biodiversity in Canada’s Pacific region.
SFU’s Protecting Canada’s Aquatic Ecosystems story showcases ARC’s leadership in training the next generation of aquatic ecosystem scientists and environmental managers. Graduate researchers are working directly with Indigenous and government partners to restore Pacific salmon populations, improve headwater management, and develop equitable and sustainable fisheries across British Columbia. Together, these projects demonstrate SFU’s dedication to safeguarding aquatic ecosystems for future generations.
SFU is also actively involved in broader efforts to protect aquatic ecosystems, particularly the sustainability of salmon populations in British Columbia. Through the Watershed Futures Initiative, SFU researchers collaborate with partners including the University of British Columbia and the University of Montana to study the cumulative effects of logging, climate change, and urban development on salmon habitats. This research strengthens long-term ecosystem resilience by advancing science-based conservation and adaptive management strategies.
Additionally, the Earth to Ocean Research Group brings together researchers dedicated to conserving coastal and aquatic ecosystems through interdisciplinary approaches. Their work includes habitat restoration, sustainable fishing practices, and climate impact mitigation in marine and freshwater environments, often in collaboration with Indigenous communities, governments, and NGOs.
These initiatives reflect SFU’s commitment to reducing human impact on aquatic habitats and advancing sustainable management of Canada’s marine and freshwater ecosystems.
MONITOR THE HEALTH OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
Simon Fraser University actively monitors and studies the health of aquatic ecosystems through the Aquatic Research Cooperative (ARC) Institute. The ARC Institute brings together SFU students, faculty, and staff to work alongside professionals from government agencies to address critical challenges in aquatic science and ecosystem management.
ARC’s collaborative research framework directly contributes to the monitoring and understanding of aquatic ecosystem health, emphasizing several key themes:
Habitat Stressors and Restoration: Assessing cumulative effects in freshwater systems and identifying strategies for ecosystem restoration.
Fisheries Sustainability: Monitoring ecological and social factors affecting fish populations and their long-term resilience.
Climate Change and Resilience: Studying how shifts in water temperature and flow patterns influence species survival and ecosystem balance.
Ecosystem Processes: Investigating linkages between terrestrial and freshwater systems to better understand ecosystem functioning.
Recovery of At-Risk Populations: Tracking the status and recovery of threatened species, such as salmon, to support evidence-based conservation strategies.
Through ARC, SFU demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to scientific monitoring, interdisciplinary collaboration, and conservation of aquatic ecosystems.
Stories
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.
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.
SUSTAINABLE 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.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME / OUTREACH ON SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES, AQUACULTURE AND TOURISM
Simon Fraser University actively engages local and national communities in the sustainable management of fisheries and aquatic ecosystems. The School of Environmental Science regularly offers free public webinars on environmental and fisheries-related topics. Recent examples include:
Decision-Making in Fisheries Management (Spring 2024)
Something Sounds Fishy: Bioacoustics, Habitat Protection, and Policy in the Northeast Pacific (Spring 2024)
Fixing Fraser Floodplains for First Nations, Farms, and Fish (Fall 2024)
These events provide accessible education on fisheries sustainability, habitat protection, and the intersection of science, policy, and Indigenous knowledge, demonstrating SFU’s commitment to community outreach and environmental stewardship.
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.
OVERFISHING
EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL OR NATIONAL COMMUNIITIES TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT OVERFISHING, ILLEGAL, UNREPORTED AND UNREGULATED FISHING AND DESTRUCTIVE FISHING PRACTICES
The Personal Whale Rescue Mission project, developed by students in SFU’s School of Interactive Arts & Technology and featured in the Spring 2024 project showcase, raises awareness about illegal fishing and its environmental impacts. The interactive installation, publicly available through SFU’s website, encourages meaningful conversations about marine conservation and promotes understanding of sustainable and responsible fishing practices among the broader community.
More broadly, 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.
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).
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.
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.
COMMITTENT TO SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES
SUSTAINABLY HARVESTED FOOD FROM AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS ON CAMPUS
Compass Group Canada is a primary food vendor for Simon Fraser University (SFU). Compass partners with Seafood Watch, adopting its science-based ratings for responsible seafood sourcing, and is committed to ensuring that 50% of all fish and seafood sourced are certified sustainable.
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.
"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.
OCEANS, MARINE POLLUTION, ACIDIFICATION
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. 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.
PLAN TO REDUCE PLASTIC WASTE
Simon Fraser University has a comprehensive action plan to reduce plastic waste through its Re-use for Good initiative—part of SFU’s broader Zero Waste Strategy and Strategic Sustainability Plan (2020–2025).
Re-use for Good focuses on:
Implementing reusable infrastructure and programs across all dining locations.
Reducing and phasing out single-use plastic products (SUPPs) wherever possible.
Educating the campus community about the circular economy and sustainable consumption.
This initiative directly supports SFU’s 2025 Sustainability Target #4 — to reduce operational waste by 10% despite institutional growth — and contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those addressing responsible consumption and climate action.
Through these coordinated efforts, SFU demonstrates strong institutional commitment to eliminating plastic waste and fostering a culture of reusability across all campuses.
POLICY ON PREVENTING AND REDUCING MARINE POLLUTION OF ALL KINDS, ON PARTICULAR FROM LAND-BASED ACTIVITIES
Simon Fraser University (SFU) has an institutional commitment to preventing and reducing pollution from land-based activities through its Sustainability Policy (GP 38).
Clause 3.1.2 of the policy states that “SFU will work to minimize its consumption of non-renewable energy, minimize water consumption and contamination, reduce the quantity of solid, organic and hazardous wastes it produces, enhance the ecological integrity of our grounds, and employ sustainable building design and construction principles wherever possible.”
This policy directly supports efforts to prevent and reduce marine pollution by addressing land-based sources such as waste generation, water contamination, and construction impacts.
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.
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.
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.
RESEARCH CENTRES AND LABS
- Salmon Watershed Lab
- Pacific Water Research Centre
- Coastal Marine Ecology and Conservation Lab
- Climate, Oceans, and Paleo-Environments (COPE) Lab
- Ocean Equity Lab
FACTS AND FIGURES
- 328 research publications relating to SDG 14, 2010-2024 (source: SciVal)
- 72 research projects related to SDG 14 funded from 2010-2024
- Since the 2018/19 academic year, SFU has offered 3 courses relating to SDG 14, representing over 305 students
- At least 46 researchers involved in research relating to SDG 14 (source: SFU Research Expertise Engine)