Statistical modelling underpins many marine research studies, particularly in the context of understanding animal movements. The Ocean Tracking Network (OTN) modelling group has focused on developing statistical models to analyze data across OTN studies.

Initial work concentrated on studies of interactions between grey seal and cod, (OTN project 4.7) including modelling tag detection efficiency, species movement, examining predator-prey encounters, and predicting survival rates of tagged Atlantic salmon smolts leaving fresh water for the open sea.

These efforts led to the development of statistical tools and models across OTN projects, including the formalization of a visualization and monitoring component. The group conducted Network-wide modelling workshops and introduced participants with state-space modelling programs to help researchers better analyze complex animal tracking data. These important efforts advanced OTN’s research goals and established collaborations across projects both within the Pan-Canadian research Network and internationally, enhancing engagement with OTN Data Centre personnel and tools.

A major workshop was held in 2015 during the OTN-hosted 3rd International Conference on Fish Telemetry in Halifax. A 2017 workshop held in Oaxaca, Mexico, brought together members of OTN and international experts in modelling animal movement and fisheries science. One of the main goals of this workshop was to identify future research directions that would benefit OTN, its researchers and other partners as it moves forward as a Canadian Major Science Initiative.