March 6, 2007
St. Andrews, NB - The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that Canada’s New Government will provide $44.8 million for new science and wet laboratory buildings at the St. Andrews Biological Station in southwest New Brunswick.
"Canada’s New Government promised to invest more in fisheries sciences, and we are committed to ensuring our great country remains at the forefront of marine research and development," said Minister Thompson. "This investment ensures that marine research at the St. Andrews Biological Station will continue to provide scientific excellence to Canadians and will provide a world class facility for ongoing collaborative research opportunities at the national and international level."
The funding will allow for the modernization of the St. Andrews Biological Station, Atlantic Canada’s first marine research centre, established in 1908. The funds will build a new, 2,900 square metre, secure wet lab facility to house marine life that will consolidate the existing facilities that are currently spread throughout the Station’s campus. The new science building includes a 4,500 square metre space for offices, analytical laboratories, a computer centre, and a library of over 10,000 holdings. These buildings feature specialized systems that meet specifications for environmentally "green" buildings.
Construction is expected to begin July 2007 with complete occupancy of both buildings by August, 2010. At that time, many of the existing aging facilities will be demolished.
The Biological Station is located on the shores of Passamaquoddy Bay in the Bay of Fundy which, along with the adjacent Gulf of Maine, comprise some of the richest marine waters in Canada. Biological Station research provides science in support of ecosystem-based management including aquaculture, commercial fisheries, environmental studies, species at risk, oceanography and transboundary Canada and United States issues. It employs over 70 full-time staff and houses visiting scientists, graduate students and contract workers.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Communications Branch
Fisheries and Oceans Canada,
Maritimes Region
902-426-3550
CommEnquire@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Richard Roik
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of Minister Thompson
Ottawa
(613)-996-4649
