Discovery Beneath the Surface - Bringing Marine Science and Exploration to Canadians  - Oceana Canada
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June 22, 2026

Discovery Beneath the Surface – Bringing Marine Science and Exploration to Canadians 

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Discovery Beneath the Surface - Bringing Marine Science and Exploration to Canadians

 

Ahead of World Oceans Day, Oceana Canada and Canadian Geographic welcomed close to 200 guests to Discovery Beneath the Surface in Ottawa. The evening explored what recent joint expeditions by Oceana Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada are revealing about the Southern Newfoundland Slope. Through expedition footage, photography, and discussion, guests explored new discoveries from this remarkable area off the Grand Banks. 

An event participant observes the departure of the Southern Newfoundland Slope expedition in October 2025 while viewing the event art gallery at Discovery Beneath the Surface.
Event guest observes the departure of the Southern Newfoundland Slope expedition from St. John’s harbour in October 2025.

The evening brought together scientists, Indigenous leaders, government representatives, donors, media, and ocean experts. The program began with Secretary of State for Nature Nathalie Provost, highlighting Canada’s commitment to protect 30% of our oceans by 2030. 

Secretary of State for Nature Nathalie Provost gives her opening reflection at Discovery Beneath the Surface.
Secretary of State for Nature Nathalie Provost gives her opening reflection at Discovery Beneath the Surface.

BRINGING MARINE SCIENCE TO CANADIANS

Oceana Canada Marine Scientist Isabelle Jubinville shared preliminary findings from recent Southern Newfoundland Slope expeditions. She highlighted ancient coral habitats, vast sea pen fields, deep submarine canyons, and the marine life these habitats support. Her presentation revealed extraordinary biodiversity thriving hundreds of metres below the surface. These ecosystems have never been seen by most Canadians and are only now beginning to be documented in meaningful detail.

Oceana Canada Marine Scientist Isabelle Jubinville (Izzy) sharing research and stories about the rich biodiversity found on her expeditions to the Southern Newfoundland Slope.
Oceana Canada Marine Scientist Isabelle Jubinville (Izzy) sharing prelimenary research from the Southern Newfoundland Slope expeditions.

Within the broader vision to bring scientific discoveries to Canadians, the program also featured a short film from the expedition to the Southern Newfoundland Slope in October 2025. 

TURNING DISCOVERY INTO DIALOGUE

Award-winning journalist and Canadian Geographic contributing editor, Alanna Mitchell, moderated an insightful panel discussion. Together, they helped translate complex science into an engaging and accessible conversation about exploration, stewardship, and what we are continuing to learn about Canada’s deep ocean.

Alanna Mitchell, Moderator, Canadian Geographic, Josh Laughren, Executive Director, Oceana Canada, Katleen Robert, Canada Research Chair in Ocean Mapping, Memorial University, Kathy Graham, Director General, Marine Conservation and Planning, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Trevor Russ, Director of Policy and Programs, Coastal First Nations, and Adam Templeton, Ocean Technologist, Centre for Fisheries and Ecosystems Research, Marine Institute.

Panelist (LtoR): Alanna Mitchell, Moderator, Canadian Geographic; Josh Laughren, Executive Director, Oceana Canada; Katleen Robert, Canada Research Chair in Ocean Mapping, Memorial University; Kathy Graham, Director General, Marine Conservation and Planning, Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Trevor Russ, Director of Policy and Programs, Coastal First Nations; and Adam Templeton, Ocean Technologist, Centre for Fisheries and Ecosystems Research, Marine Institute.

Following the panel, Oceana Canada Executive Director Josh Laughren provided closing remarks. With a copy of Canadian Geographic’s feature on the Southern Newfoundland Slope expedition in hand, guests left with a deeper connection to a place few Canadians will ever see.  

Guest looks at Canadian Geographic's magazine edition, that includes a story about the expedition to the Southern Newfoundland Slope in October 2025.
Canadian Geographic’s magazine featuring “It’s almost like a treasure hunt:” investigating deepsea corals off Newfoundland’s Grand Banks.

Many stayed after presentations for a catered reception to engage with the event speakers in the gallery space. Meanwhile, guests explored Canadian Geographic’s floor map to learn more about protected marine areas in Canada.

Guest using application on iPad to interact with Canadian Geographics' floor map.
Guest using application on iPad to interact with Canadian Geographics’ floor map.

STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS FOR OCEAN STEWARDSHIP

The event reflected the strength of partnership in ocean conservation. Building on a joint scientific expedition conducted by Oceana Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and a storytelling collaboration with Canadian Geographic, it brought together science, exploration, and public engagement. These efforts help build the understanding needed for thoughtful, long-term stewardship of Canada’s ocean.

Learn more about the Southern Newfoundland Slope expedition.>>> 

Oceana Canada staff alongside Canadian Geographic partners and Trevor Russ, Director of Policy and Programs, Coastal First Nations.
Oceana Canada staff alongside Canadian Geographic partners, Trevor Russ (Coastal First Nations), and Adam Templeton (Marine Institute).