July 18, 2006
St. Andrews, New Brunswick
The Huntsman Marine Science Centre (HMSC) today unveiled
plans to upgrade its salt water infrastructure to advance
ongoing ground-breaking research. The $2.9 million project
will be made possible with the support of the Atlantic
Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), which is investing
$2,361,500 through its Innovative Communities Fund (ICF). The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veteran Affairs
and regional minister for New Brunswick, made the
announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Peter
MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for
ACOA. "Our new government is committed to supporting such
research initiatives that diversify and enhance the
economies of Atlantic communities," he stated. "These kinds
of initiatives also help position our region as a
significant economic player in Canada and at the
international level."The HMSC Executive Director, Bill Robertson, noted
that "this project is of strategic importance to the
ongoing renewal process at the HMSC. The salt water upgrade
will not only allow for world-leading aquaculture and basic
research but it is also crucial to attracting new business,
meeting client needs, and to satisfying the growing
requirements of other HMSC departments, such as the
teaching laboratories."This project will involve the renovation of existing
facilities to increase the volume of salt water supplied to
the HMSC for fish rearing and research. The upgrade will
allow the Centre to undertake new and innovative research
projects and proceed with improvements to its aquarium, an
important tourism initiative. The new infrastructure will
also facilitate the work of the $18 million Cod Genome
Project, supported by ACOA's Atlantic Innovation Fund and a
wide range of funding partners in New Brunswick,
Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia. ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) supports
investments that lead to long-term employment and increased
economic opportunities in rural communities. For more
information on ACOA's programs, visit our website at:
http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Peta Fussell
Senior Communications Officer
ACOA, New Brunswick
(506) 451-2667
W.D. (Bill) Robertson
Executive Director
Huntsman Marine Science Centre
(506) 529-1224
