NEPTUNE Canada

Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) is a not-for-profit society created by the University of Victoria to build and sustain global leadership in ocean science and technology through the NEPTUNE Canada and VENUS cabled ocean observatories.

ONC is guided by a board of directors made up of respected leaders from industry, universities, and government. Board members bring a tremendous breadth of knowledge and experience to their role, which is to develop our two observatories as national facilities, and promote and support the applications of the research for the benefit of Canadians.

ONC has developed a Centre for Enterprise and Engagement (ONCCEE) to position Canada as an international leader in the science and technology of cabled ocean observation systems and to maximize the associated economic and social benefits. Through innovative commercialization and outreach programs ONCCEE will build on strong private sector partnerships, focusing its commercialization and engagement activities in four areas: sensors and instruments; ocean system technologies; oceans information technology; as well as, public outreach and education. Beyond its economic benefits, the centre also has the capacity to create significant broad societal benefits by ensuring the public is more informed on marine related issues, yielding superior public policies along with increasing awareness of ocean-related science and technology, including the career and business opportunities available in this sector.

Not-for-Profit Society

Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) is a not-for-profit society created by the University of Victoria to build and sustain Canada's world leadership in ocean science and technology through the NEPTUNE Canada and VENUS ocean observatories.

ONC will support the core research programs and the applications of the results of the research in at least three major areas: public policy, economic development and commercialization, and public education and outreach. In so doing ONC will maximize the return on more than $100 million in investments made in the last four years in the capital construction of the two ocean observatories - investments made by the governments of Canada and British Columbia in concert with the University of Victoria and other partners.

The purposes of the society are:

1. To operate and conduct research related to the undersea cable observatory currently existing and such future arrays as may be installed that are within the scope of the VENUS and NEPTUNE projects at the University of Victoria;
2. To conduct other oceans-related research as may seem convenient to the Society’s directors from time to time and to enhance oceans-based research capacity at the University of Victoria;
3. To promote public education related to the Society’s research projects and disseminate the results of oceans-based research;
4. To cooperate with other national and international research organizations with similar interests and goals;
5. To promote the cooperation of academic, governmental and industry bodies in the furtherance of oceans’ research and provide a framework for participation in governance of the oceans observatory installation;
6. To apply for grants and conduct fund-raising projects related to oceans’ research;
7. To acquire and hold property, both real and personal, for the furtherance of the purposes of the Society;
8. To carry on related activities that will promote the purposes of the Society such as the members and directors may determine from time to time.