The Atlantic Canada Ports Biodiversity Initiative is a novel, multi-port collaboration that advances how ports understand and monitor marine biodiversity at a regional scale. The project was initiated to address a critical gap: ports in Atlantic Canada lacked consistent, scalable tools to comprehensively understand biodiversity and assess how port activities may impact surrounding ecosystems.
Four Atlantic Canadian ports – Halifax, Saint John, Summerside, and Corner Brook – teamed up to implement an innovative and science-based monitoring approach using environmental DNA (eDNA). eDNA is a non-invasive method that can detect species from their genetic material in water samples. Between 2024 and 2026, the ports conducted coordinated sampling across multiple locations using both traditional Niskin bottle collection methods and an automated eDNA sampling system developed by Atlantic Canadian company, Dartmouth Ocean Technologies (DOT).
Analysis by an Atlantic Canadian lab, eDNAtec, has generated the most comprehensive dataset of marine biodiversity across ports in Atlantic Canada. This has provided detailed insights into species presence, distribution, and variability across the Atlantic Ocean and time. These findings deepen our understanding of marine ecosystems in active port environments and provide a strong evidence base to support efforts to reduce environmental impacts.
The initiative’s true benefit is its collaborative and regional approach. By aligning multiple ports under a shared methodology and working alongside partners including Genome Atlantic, IGNITE Atlantic, the PEI Marine Science Organization, DOT, and eDNAtec, the project moves beyond isolated monitoring efforts to produce comparable, region-wide data. This is a model that can be replicated globally. It also demonstrates strong leadership in cooperation and transparency, with ports such as Halifax and Saint John establishing ongoing eDNA monitoring programs and committing to data sharing and continuous improvement.
By combining innovative technology, measurable results, and regional collaboration, the Atlantic Canada Ports Biodiversity Initiative sets a new benchmark for science-based environmental stewardship – positioning ports as active contributors to marine ecosystem knowledge while driving more sustainable port operations.