REPORT ON OCEANOGRAPHY 11 



layer of ten to 100 metres thickness. In late winter the temperature 

 stratification is similar to the salinity. When the surface waters are 

 heated in the spring a warm layer is formed which gradually deepens 

 and becomes more marked as the season advances. When autumn cool- 

 ing occurs the warm layer loses heat, but continues to deepen until it 

 coincides with the salicline in late winter. This area is being continual- 

 ly monitored by regular bathythermograph observations from the 

 weather ship on Station Peter. 



The principal interest is in the coastal waters and the many bays, 

 sounds, inlets and straits which are the dominant feature of the Pacific 

 coast. The area is divided into natural regions. Each region is sur- 

 veyed at frequent intervals throughout a year or more, until the prop- 

 erties of the water and the mechanisms of circulation, and their sea- 

 sonal variations are revealed. These are then related to daily observa- 

 tions of surface sea water temperature, weather and run-off that are be- 

 ing made concurrently around the coasts. These daily observations then 

 serve as continuing indices of the oceanographic conditions. Both the 

 oceanographic conditions and the daily observations have been success- 

 fully related to some of the fisheries. 



The prediction and control of industrial and domestic pollution in 

 coastal areas had become a major oceanographic concern. As new indus- 

 tries are established their effect on fisheries is forecast and the disposal 

 of sewage adjusted to avoid harmful pollution. 



This work is under the direction of the Joint Committee on Ocea- 

 nography in Canada, which all government departments interested in 

 the sea, pool their requirements and resources. The Committee directs 

 the work of a group on the Atlantic Coast and another group on the 

 Pacific Coast, in physical and chemical oceanography. The Fisheries Re- 

 search Board of Canada operates five stations studying fisheries and two 

 stations studying the utilization of marine products. In addition there 

 are a number of National and International Groups conducting ocean- 

 ographic and fisheries research in particular areas, and on particular 

 problems. 



The charting of coastal waters and forecasting of tides and tidal 

 currents is done by the Hydrographic Service. 



The Institute of Oceanography at the University of British Colum- 

 bia is the only place where Oceanography is formally recognized, al- 

 though a number of universities conduct sea researches. The Institute 

 offers post-graduate courses in the application of the various sciences 

 in the sea leading to advanced degrees in those sciences. 



Publication is provided in the Journal of Fisheries Research Board 

 of Canada, and a manuscript series from each oceanographic group and 

 the Institute of Oceanography. 



