Representatives from various organizations involved in ocean observing in Canada and the US attended an Ocean Science & technology partnership (OSTP) workshop on March 3, 2009 in Ottawa. The main objective of the event was to initiate an action plan for the implementation of a Canadian network of observatories. Such a national network would ensure access to coastal, aquatic and ocean data in Canada.

Mrs Joanne Hamel, Director General of the SLGO, was invited to present the St. Lawrence Global Observatory. The talk was well received by participants. Following the workshop, SLGO received an invitation to become a member of OSTP.

The workshop gathered several organizations including the Canadian Hydrographic service, Natural Resources Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ocean Management Research Network (OMRN), Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System (GOMOOS), SURA Coastal Ocean Observing and Prediction (SCOOP) Program, Technopole maritime du Québec, Développement économique Canada, the Canadian Space Agency, the St. Lawrence Global Observatory, the ACCORD Program, the government of Québec, the Institut de sciences de la mer de Rimouski (ISMER), NEPTUNE Canada, COIN Pacific, BC Innovative Council Ocean Science and Energy, Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, Marine Institute School of Ocean Technology, Oceans Advance, Industry Canada, RBR Ltd, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, PETRA International Inc., Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency - ACOA, Atlantic Coastal Zone Information Steering Committee (ACZISC), the Ocean Technology Council (ADIANS), Dalhousie University, Edel Strategic Insights and Telfer School of Management.

For more information, visit the OSTP Internet site at http://www.ostp-psto.ca.