Today@Dal

Now located on the top floor of the Life Sciences Centre at Dalhousie, the Marine Affairs Program (MAP) has found a new home within the Faculty of Science.

“This move rounds out a full suite of oceans related programs in the Faculty of Science. The program will complement the existing oceans programs at undergraduate and graduate levels,” says Chris Moore, Dean of Science, “It will allow our students to be trained not only in science, but also in how that science can be used to generate policy and help manage the oceans.”

Since its creation 26 years ago MAP has moved organizationally among the different Faculties at Dalhousie: from Law to Graduate Studies to Management, and now the Faculty of Science.

“These moves are a reflection of the program’s cross-cutting, interdisciplinary nature and openness to growth,” says Lucia Fanning, Director of MAP.

The Marine Affairs Program is a unique cross-Faculty graduate program that harnesses the university’s breadth and depth of ocean-related expertise to offer Canada’s only English-speaking Master of Marine Management degree and opportunities for interdisciplinary doctoral studies. Through this program, Dalhousie produces highly skilled marine managers capable of brokering knowledge among diverse disciplines, thereby advancing sustainable ocean use and healthy coastal environments.

“We are excited to be a part of the Faculty of Science and we know it’s the right fit for our program and for the Faculty,” says Lucia Fanning. “One of the greatest challenges currently confronting the sustainability of the world’s coastal and marine resources is getting the scientific knowledge into the decision-making process. Connecting this knowledge with Dalhousie’s expertise in ocean law, management and other branches of the social sciences is part of MAP’s strength due to its interdisciplinary focus in the marine realm. Our move to the Faculty of Science helps to bridge this gap, not only at Dalhousie, but globally.”

The Faculty of Science at Dalhousie is a breeding ground for oceans education, innovation, and international research collaborations such as the Ocean Tracking Network (OTN) and the Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response (MEOPAR) network. Combine this with MAP’s interdisciplinary nature and commitment to excellent marine governance, it’s a perfect match.

Through continued collaboration with the Faculty of Management, along with other key Faculties such as Law, Arts and Social Science, Engineering and Architecture and planning and its new home in the Faculty of Science, MAP is destined for continued growth and success.

Photo: This past year's class of Marine Affairs students.