Enabling informed decisions

About Clear Seas

Clear Seas is a Canadian not-for-profit organization that provides independent fact-based information to enable governments, industry, and the public to make informed decisions on marine shipping issues. We work to build awareness and trust so that all people can feel a part of the marine sector. Our vision is a sustainable marine shipping sector that is safe, vibrant, and inclusive, both now and for future generations.

Research

Inform

Convene

Connect

Create

What we do

Clear Seas fills knowledge gaps and builds capacity in an important sector of the Canadian and global economy. We achieve this through comprehensive research, communications, and people development programs, including Indigenous-led research and Indigenous-focused development.

Creating Knowledge

We lead and facilitate research that generates independent fact-based information on marine shipping issues.

Informing Conversations

We share clear and accessible knowledge that enables governments, industry, and the public to make informed decisions on marine shipping issues.

Convening Voices

We convene all voices in open and respectful dialogue on marine shipping issues.

Building Capacity

We create capacity sharing opportunities and work experiences for a more inclusive marine industry.

Our work considers the human, environmental and economic impacts of marine shipping and contributes to making the industry safer, more sustainable, and more inclusive.”

Including Indigenous knowledge and perspectives

Clear Seas strives to actively involve Indigenous communities in carrying out our research and knowledge sharing for safe, vibrant and inclusive marine shipping in Canada. In all our programs, we prioritize the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives for valuable insights about the life and health of the ocean and the impacts from marine shipping traffic and seek to learn from different ways of knowing.

Learn more about our commitment
“Canada’s aspirations for economic growth, environmental protection, and climate change mitigation in partnership with Indigenous Peoples require a safe, sustainable, and vibrant maritime transport system.”

How we operate

Our position as an independent and trusted not-for-profit and our commitment to building collaborative partnerships has enabled us to convene diverse perspectives and collaborate across sectors.

Clear Seas Logo Mark

Bringing many different voices into the conversation allows Clear Seas to contribute timely and relevant research to support decision-making on marine shipping topics and progress reconciliation with Indigenous people.

Marine shipping is an essential part of global trade and the most efficient form of transportation. It is also one of the most significant threats to ocean biodiversity and sixth largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions in the world. Canada is well positioned to play a leading role in the emerging blue economy. Situated between the two largest oceans with the busiest shipping trade routes, and the possible future trading route through the Arctic, Canada also has the longest coastline and fourth largest ocean territories in the world. Clear Seas is committed to making a difference by leading with courage for the well-being of future generations.

Reversing the deterioration of coastal areas caused by shipping activity and rebuilding biodiversity requires a collaborative approach and shift in mindset. The many entities involved in the marine shipping ecosystem need to be integrated into an effective and interdependent network focused on working together to solve the difficult problems – like climate change, biodiversity, and access to skilled labour – that affect everyone.

Clear Seas funding, 2015-2022

Clear Seas is funded by governments and industry, as detailed in our annual audited financial statements. All reports and findings are freely available to the public through our website and social media channels.

Clear Seas has established a strong and growing national presence in all aspects of our work. We have built relationships with academics, Indigenous communities, government representatives, maritime industry stakeholders, other non-profit organizations and contractors across the country. This informs the planning, design, delivery and monitoring of our research efforts and various programs. As a bridge builder, Clear Seas works with many partners to build and share capacity for research. Browse our various research projects to see our network of partners. View research projects

Clear Seas’ research program has evolved to be diverse in geographic reach, subject matter, and participant involvement. Research topics are gleaned from discussions with industry, government, Indigenous communities and academics, from international and national news sources, and from the networks of our Research Advisory Committee and Board of Directors. Learn more about our research process

Clear Seas is committed to free, open, and accessible knowledge sharing. We are committed to being clear, accurate, accessible and informative. Clear Seas convenes diverse perspectives and supports  productive dialogue, in part through the community of practice co-founded with the Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response (MEOPAR), the Canadian Marine Shipping Risk Forum. We ensure communications are accessible by:
  • Bridging knowledge gaps with new research and clear content
  • Providing information in a variety of formats, including articles, infographics, and reports
  • Communicating in both French and English
  • Delivering a website that is compatible across many browsers and devices

The people behind Clear Seas

Clear Seas team members are passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds who strive to make a difference by leading with courage for the well-being of future generations. Learn more about our staff, Board of Directors, and Research Advisory Committee.

Get to know our people