Retrospective Analysis of Projects Funded by the Environmental Studies Research Fund (ESRF)

Natural Resources Canada has a requirement to determine whether the Environmental Studies Research Fund (ESRF) is meeting its objective of funding studies that contribute knowledge to support decision-making and industry operations in Canada’s offshore oil and gas sector. This study will measure how each ESRF technical report completed to date has been accessed and used, and by whom and for what purpose. It will also measure the range of topics addressed by ESRF studies and how these topics have aligned with government and industry priorities, as well as how they serve the public interests. It will assess the regulatory decision tools for offshore oil and gas operations (e.g., environmental and/or impact assessments, project-based assessments, activity authorizations) to determine what information is used to support decisions, and whether or not ESRF reports have been included/consulted. Once completed, this study will be used by the ESRF Management Board to inform them about their process for defining research priorities, and to inform future calls for research. It may also be used by the ESRF Secretariat within Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) with respect to the overall administration of the Fund.