In addition to students of its OCF program (OCeans and Fisheries), members are also drawn from other graduate programs at UBC, primarily from the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, the Departments of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Zoology, Geography, and Botany, and the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs.
IOF is located at The University of British Columbia, and promotes multidisciplinary study of aquatic ecosystems and broad-based collaboration with researchers, educators, maritime communities, government, NGOs, and other partners.
The IOF brings together a broad range of scientists to study both the ocean itself and the lives and livelihoods of coastal populations.
Its research groups focus on issues of local significance in Western Canada, including the Salish Sea and Strait of Georgia, as well as broader global concerns such as artisanal fisheries in developing countries.
It is constantly developing new research groups in response to emerging issues, trends and awareness.