Beginning in 1990, 2 700 scientists from more than 80 nations participated in the largest census of marine life ever conducted. Census researchers found life everywhere they looked, including in oxygen-deprived locations. They rediscovered species thought to be extinct and increased the number of known marine species from 230,000 to nearly 250,000. Scientists believe that as many as three times this number is yet to be discovered and named. The total number of marine species in the global ocean, excluding microbes, could surpass one million.
Canada has the world’s longest coastline, shaped by three oceans and the Great Lakes. Canada’s marine biodiversity is impressive and it is ours to discover, protect and learn about. Parks Canada is working toward creating an extended network of national marine conservation areas to protect these marine species and ecosystems, educate the public and keep this legacy intact for future generations.
Did you know that in Canada’s water we have...
Narwhals © Parks Canada / M. Cyr
Sand Dollars© Parks Canada /J.-G. Béliveau
Rock Crabs © Parks Canada/ J.- G. Béliveau
Walrus © Parks Canada / M. Cyr
Piping Plover© Parks Canada / A. Richard
Sea Peaches © Parks Canada / L. Falardeau
Comb jellies © M. Hiebert
Yellowtail Flounders© Parks Canada / J.-G. Béliveau
Atlantic Puffins © M. Hiebert
Orcas © Parks Canada/ N. Boisvert
Red Sea Urchins © Parks Canada
Acadian Hermit Crabs © Parks Canada /L. Falardeau
Midland Painted turtles © S. Currie
Kingfishers© S. Currie
Giant Pacific Octopus © M. Hiebert
These wonders are worth celebrating on June 8, World Oceans Day!