Canada Announces Open Access to CARE 2025 Data
In a landmark move for Canadian ocean science and climate research, Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) is making publicly available the data from the first all-Canadian-led expedition to Antarctica. The Canadian Antarctic Research Expedition (CARE 2025) took place in February and March aboard the Royal Canadian Navy vessel HMCS Margaret Brooke, bringing together 15 scientists to investigate how climate change is reshaping one of the planet’s most dynamic regions.
A National Effort Anchored at UVic
Led by a team from the University of Victoria (UVic), the expedition deepened Canada’s capacity to study the Southern Ocean. ONC played a central role in managing and processing the oceanographic data collected during CARE 2025. The dataset includes temperature, salinity, and depth measurements from 22 locations across the Drake Passage, near the Antarctic Peninsula. The goal is to translate on‑the‑water observations into open-access data that researchers worldwide can use to model climate dynamics and sea-level change.
From Shipboard Collections to Open Data
During the voyage, the scientists gathered a rich array of data across three research domains: oceanography, geoscience, and contaminants. ONC’s data specialists are now converting raw results into standardized, shareable datasets for the Oceans 3.0 data portal and CIOOS (the Canadian Integrated Ocean Observing System). This effort ensures that the findings from CARE 2025 contribute to long‑term studies of the Southern Ocean’s role in global climate.
What the Data Reveal So Far
Initial discussions highlighted important trends, including how glacier melt contributes freshwater to surrounding waters and how sea temperatures are evolving in the region. While it will take years to complete thorough analyses, early indicators underscore the value of sustained observation in Antarctica. The data pipeline—anchored by ONC’s coastal observatory off the South Shetland Islands—promises to deliver continuous, real‑time insights alongside long‑term trends.
A Coastal Observatory Linking Real‑time and Long‑term Views
Ontario-based ONC has previously deployed a coastal observatory in Antarctica in partnership with Spain. The observatory provides real‑time information on water conditions and sea ice in a region vulnerable to rapid change. The combination of 24/7 data streams from the Antarctic observatory and the broader sampling grid creates a powerful, long‑time-series resource for climate researchers, policymakers, and educators.
Strategic Importance for Canada
ONC’s CEO, Kate Moran, notes that Canada’s investment in ocean observing infrastructure underpins a broader national objective. The collaboration with the Navy, government partners, and universities strengthens Canada’s standing within the United Nations Antarctic Treaty system. Moran emphasizes that Canada’s physical Antarctic presence enables informed participation in treaty discussions, especially as climate change intensifies pressures on the region.
Looking Ahead: Why Open Data Matters
Open access to CARE 2025 data through Ocean 3.0 and CIOOS will accelerate global science. Researchers can analyze how melting glaciers interact with ocean chemistry and marine ecosystems, and how these processes influence sea-level rise. The CARE 2025 dataset is a stepping‑stone toward a robust, long‑term Canadian Antarctic observing program that supports climate resilience and scientific discovery for decades to come.
In the months ahead, ONC will continue processing the voyage’s observations and releasing datasets in stages. The international research community, policy experts, and educators alike can anticipate a growing stream of findings that illuminate the Southern Ocean’s changing climate and its ripple effects across the globe.
