Life at sea is an integral part of Atlantic Canadian history. It's no surprise that ocean technology has become an important sector in the coastal region's economy. But the depth of knowledge and innovation found in that sector may be surprising. Some of the world's most modern naval vessels, and their integrated electronic systems, have been designed and built in Atlantic Canada. Atlantic Canadian companies are also designing and installing some of the most advanced integrated ocean surveillance systems in the world.
Atlantic Canada-based activity represents almost half of Canada's entire ocean technologies sector, and it's increasing at a remarkable pace, fuelled in part by the strong growth of the offshore oil and gas industry. There are currently about 300 companies active in the ocean technologies sector in Atlantic Canada, generating approximately $2 billion in revenues annually. These companies operate in eight major sub-sectors of ocean technologies: ocean mapping and charting; cold water engineering; remote sensing; underwater acoustics; instruments and communications; biotechnology; survival; and training.
Necessity may be the mother of invention, but energy, imagination and drive are essential in getting any invention off the ground - or in some cases, into the water! Atlantic Canadians have created a global presence in the world with its endeavors in ocean technology. With continued commitment and effort in the area of research and development, Atlantic Canada will preserve its reputation in the sector for decades to come.
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