Harper Government Supports Research and Development at Memorial University of Newfoundland's Ocean Sciences Centre

News Release

Government of Canada supports aquaculture industry in NL

January 14, 2014 - St. John's, NL

The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), today announced an investment of $110,000, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), that will allow the Ocean Sciences Centre (OSC) at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) to enhance its capacity to respond to the needs of the provincial aquaculture industry.

The OSC in Logy Bay will engage in Atlantic salmon aquaculture and climate change research to improve its ability to work with private sector partners and other industry stakeholders to collaborate and share research. New specialized machinery and equipment will allow the OSC to increase water temperatures and enhance seawater flow rates at its Logy Bay research facility.

MUN has long been an active proponent of marine research and aquaculture research and development activity within the province. The OSC and its staff are recognized internationally for their ability to study cold-ocean organisms and for their contributions towards the development of various species that have the potential to become important to the province's aquaculture industry.

Quick Facts

MUN will purchase heat exchangers, sand filters, sterilization units, and monitoring systems which will enhance the research capacity at the OSC.
This new equipment will allow the OSC to focus its research on challenges facing the salmon aquaculture industry such as fish health, broodstock development, and environmental and production management, and explore how climate change may impact species currently cultured in the province.
The provincial aquaculture industry is a strong and sustainable industry, especially in rural areas.
• The main focus of the aquaculture industry in Newfoundland and Labrador is on Atlantic salmon, steelhead trout and blue mussels.

Quotes

“Our Government recognizes that science, technology and innovation help make our businesses more productive and competitive, thereby increasing exports and creating new and better paying jobs. By enhancing the aquaculture R&D capacity of the Ocean Sciences Centre at Memorial University, we are supporting the fishing industry in Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as rural communities throughout the province.”
The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)

“This project will significantly enhance the OSC’s capacity to conduct world-class research that will benefit the aquaculture industry in Atlantic Canada, and Newfoundland and Labrador’s ability to manage and protect its commercially and ecologically important marine fish and invertebrate populations.”
Dr. Kurt Gamperl, Department of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland