Fisheries and Marine Institute (MI) of Memorial University hosting international showcase of youth in ocean technology
June 24, 2015– St. John’s, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), today announced an investment of more than $75,000 from the Government of Canada for MI to host the 2015 Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) International remotely operated vehicle (ROV) competition. Federal funding supports the development and implementation of a wide variety of activities associated with the competition, including logistics and communications.
The competition, which is taking place in St. John’s from June 25-27 at the Marine Institute and the National Research Council’s Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering facility, will give participants opportunities to fly their ROVs in unique facilities and conditions modelling the Arctic environment. With the Government of Canada’s assistance, the MATE International ROV competition will give participating students a chance to learn skills used in marine and ocean technology jobs, and will encourage them to become involved in research and development.
MI has hosted regional ROV competitions since 2003, and successfully hosted the international competition in 2007. The event is also an opportunity to showcase Newfoundland and Labrador’s unique ocean technology research capacity to an international audience.
Quick Facts:
- The theme for the 2015 competition is “ROVs in Extreme Environments: Science and Industry in the Arctic.”
- It is anticipated that over 700 participants from 16 countries will participate in the competition, including 71 students from Newfoundland and Labrador.
- The MATE Center is based in Monterey, California and its primary focus is to promote ocean science and technology in education.
- The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, is providing funding of $75,700 to support hosting of the 2015 MATE international ROV competition.
Quotes:
“Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy is closely tied to the ocean and over the years, it has become a centre of excellence in the international ocean technology sector. Our Government is pleased to support this competition, which encourages youth to become involved in ocean sciences and technology, and enhances the growth of the ocean technology sector through the education process.”
- The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“As Canada’s most comprehensive centre for education, training, applied research and industrial support for the ocean industries, we are pleased to welcome the international MATE ROV competition to our world-class facilities. The global ocean technology sector continues to grow and competitions like this one provide students with an opportunity to not only test their skills, but learn from industry professionals and find out about related careers.”
- Dwight Howse, Head, School of Ocean Technology, Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland
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Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Kelsie.Corey@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Julie Afonso
Acting Director, Public Affairs
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Julie.Afonso@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Leslie Earle
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland
709-778-0677, 330-3918
Leslie.Earle@mi.mun.ca
