Biological Survey of Canada: coordinating scientific research among specialists

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.