PS 3-32 - Biological Survey of Canada: coordinating scientific research among specialists

Monday, August 15, 2022

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM EDT

Located in: ESA Exhibit Hall

Presenting Author(s)

MJ

Morgan Jackson

McGill University, Canada

Coauthor(s)

JM

Julia Mlynarek

Insectarium de Montreal
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
DP

Dan Peach

University of British Columbia, Canada
GP

Greg Pohl

Natural Resources Canada, Canada
AN

Armin Namayandeh

Trent University, Canada
CC

Cass Chowdhury

Simon Fraser University, Canada
DG

Donna Giberson

Prince Edward Island University, Canada
JG

James Glasier

University of Alberta, Canada
JG

Joel Gibson

Royal BC Museum, Canada
JK

John Klymko

Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre, Canada
SG

Scott Gilmore

Unaffiliated, Canada
SA

Shawn Abraham

University of Alberta, Canada

Background/Question/Methods

The Not-for-profit Biological Survey of Canada (BSC) has operated since 1977 as a network helping to coordinate and disseminate scientific research among specialists on the Canadian biota. BSC projects have documented biodiversity patterns throughout Canada, providing baseline information to identify changes in biodiversity occurring through time. The BSC has mainly been active in the entomological community but is now seeking to expand to all Canadian biota. Currently facing many environmental challenges, ecological research can benefit from baseline information on biodiversity changes. We will demonstrate how the BSC model has identified and facilitated collaborative projects and present ideas for the development of future projects.

Results/Conclusions

The BSC model, based on bringing experts together through symposia and bioblitzes, identifying gaps in biodiversity knowledge, and proposing collaborative projects to fill them, has resulted in the publication of 17 scientific monographs, 15 scientific briefs, and the establishment of the on-line Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification. Current scientific projects include development of a Biota of Canada website, as well as facilitating projects on databasing, biodiversity, invasions and systematics. Studies in ecology and evolution require strong foundations and long-term data; we will review past and current BSC projects and show how these can be applied to guide future projects on the Canadian biota.