Media Advisory: Southern Newfoundland Slope: Discovery Beneath the Surface
Press Release
OTTAWA, Ontario, on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg People, June 02, 2026 —
WHAT: Marine scientists, Indigenous leaders, and ocean experts will gather in Ottawa to share what recent deep-sea expeditions are revealing about the Southern Newfoundland Slope — one of Canada’s lesser-known ocean environments. The evening will feature expedition footage, deep-sea photography, scientific presentations, and a moderated discussion exploring how new research is expanding understanding of Canada’s deep ocean.
WHEN: Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 6 p.m. arrival | 6:30 p.m. program | 7:30 p.m. reception
WHERE: Alex Trebek Theatre, Royal Canadian Geographical Society, 50 Sussex Dr., Ottawa
(On the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe People)
VISUAL OPPORTUNITIES:
- Underwater expedition footage from the Southern Newfoundland Slope
- Deep-sea photography featuring ancient coral habitats, submarine canyons, and marine life rarely seen by Canadians. Preview photos available here
- Immersive gallery installation and large-format imagery
- Panel discussion with marine scientists, Indigenous leaders, and other ocean experts
SPEAKERS:
- Alanna Mitchell, award-winning journalist and contributing editor, Canadian Geographic (moderator)
- Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State for Nature (opening reflections)
- Isabelle (Izzy) Jubinville, expedition science lead, Oceana Canada
- Kathy Graham, director general, Marine Planning & Conservation, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- Josh Laughren, executive director, Oceana Canada
- Dr. Katleen Robert, Canada Research Chair in Ocean Mapping, Memorial University
- Trevor Russ, Coastal First Nations
- Adam Templeton, ocean technologist, Marine Institute
BACKGROUND: In 2025, Oceana Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada conducted a joint scientific expedition to the Southern Newfoundland Slope, a deep-sea region off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. Scientists documented ancient coral habitats, vast sea pen fields, deep submarine canyons, and marine life across depths ranging from 400 to 1,300 metres, contributing to a growing scientific understanding of this ecosystem. Award-winning journalist and Canadian Geographic contributing editor Alanna Mitchell joined the expedition on assignment. Her feature on the Southern Newfoundland Slope expedition is available through Canadian Geographic.
INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE:
- Isabelle (Izzy) Jubinville, expedition science lead, Oceana Canada
- Josh Laughren, Executive Director, Oceana Canada
Media contacts: Vaishali Dassani, Oceana Canada, vdassani@oceana.ca, +1-647-294-3335;
Rose-Marie Ménard, Pilot PMR, rosemarie.menard@pilotpmr.com, +1-579-622-9925.
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