Southern Newfoundland Slope - Oceana Canada

Southern Newfoundland Slope

Scientific Expedition 2025

Overview

Canada Launches Deep-Sea Mission to Explore Southern Newfoundland Slope

In 2025, independent Canadian charity Oceana Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada led a science-driven expedition to the Southern Newfoundland Slope to deepen understanding of this little-explored deep-sea ecosystem. The mission spanned two research trips, totalling 21 days at sea. Marine scientists, biologists, and storytellers worked together to document the habitats and species that shape this region — advancing understanding of the Southern Slope’s role in ocean health.

Departing St. John’s, the team steamed over 24 hours offshore to survey sea canyons, channels, and slopes along the Grand Banks — a region that has shaped Canada’s maritime identity.

Bringing the Southern Newfoundland Slope to Life Through Storytelling

Oceana Canada is collaborating with Canadian Geographic, one of the country’s most trusted storytellers, to share the science and discoveries behind this expedition with Canadians.

Award-winning journalist, author, and contributing editor Alanna Mitchell joined the expedition on assignment with Canadian Geographic. Her assignment: document the research, people, and places that define the Southern Newfoundland Slope. Through her storytelling, Alanna captured the wonder and importance of these deep-sea ecosystems.

Read Canadian Geographic’s feature exploring the science, stories, and discoveries from this incredible expedition. >>> 

Storytelling Partner

Canadian Geographic

Why This Mission Matters

The Southern Newfoundland Slope is a biologically rich region shaped by massive underwater sea canyons, also known as submarine canyons. These canyons support ancient corals, expansive sea pen fields, and endangered species including northern wolffish and smooth skate. A wide range of marine life calls this area home.

Commercially important fish populations, including halibut and redfish, thrive here alongside rare species such as chimaeras. This region also provides habitat for marine mammals, including dolphins, pilot whales, and blue whales.

These sea canyons stretch more than 150 kilometres and plunge over 4,000 metres deep. They influence ocean currents and drive nutrient-rich waters upward to fuel phytoplankton — the foundation of marine food webs.

Despite its ecological significance, much of the Southern Newfoundland Slope has remained largely unexplored. This expedition helped fill critical data gaps and contributes to a stronger scientific understanding of deep-sea ecosystems. The knowledge gained from this work will inform future research, stewardship, and ocean management decisions.

Exploration and research deepens understanding of the ocean and strengthens efforts to protect it. This makes the expedition both urgent and essential in advancing Canada’s commitment to protect 30% of its oceans by 2030. By documenting marine life and habitats, critical data is collected to inform ocean management and conservation policies. This helps ensure ocean health for generations to come.

What the Expedition Studied

Scientists used deep-sea camera systems, environmental DNA (eDNA), and baited remote underwater video (BRUVs). They studied biodiversity, habitat structure, and species distribution across the slope.

This work focused on:

  • Collecting data on the location, depth, and seafloor type of marine habitats.
  • Documenting species that depend on these habitats
  • Surveying continental slopes and sea canyons
  • Examining biodiversity hotspots with dense coral colonies and expansive sea pens fields.
  • Mapping essential habitats for key fish populations