Paul Snelgrove

Dr. Paul Snelgrove is a Professor of Biological Oceanography in the Department of Ocean Sciences and Biology at Memorial University of Newfoundland. He concurrently serves as Associate Scientific Director of the Ocean Frontier Institute and as Departmental Science Advisor to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (since 2020). His previous leadership includes directing the NSERC Canadian Healthy Oceans Network (2008-2021) and holding prestigious research chairs including the Canada Research Chair in Boreal and Cold Ocean Systems (2003-2013).

Education:

• BSc (Hons) in Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland (1984)
• Master's in Oceanography, McGill University (1987)
• PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (1993)

Dr. Snelgrove's research centers on biological oceanography and marine ecosystem conservation, with emphasis on biodiversity patterns, fisheries sustainability, and cold ocean systems. His interdisciplinary approach integrates field data with policy frameworks, notably through the Census of Marine Life initiative. Research priorities include climate-ocean interactions and anthropogenic impacts on marine ecosystems.

Honors and Recognition:

• Parsons Medal for Interdisciplinary Ocean Sciences (DFO, 2013)
• University Research Professor (Memorial University, 2015)

Dr. Snelgrove has supervised numerous graduate students throughout his career, contributing to over 140 publications. He has secured major funding through NSERC chairs and network grants, enabling large-scale collaborative projects like the Canadian Healthy Oceans Network that involved researchers nationwide.

Through the Ocean Frontier Institute, he coordinates interdisciplinary ocean research infrastructure and partnerships. His prior leadership of the Canadian Healthy Oceans Network established a coast-to-coast collaboration model addressing ocean health challenges.