Government to participate in World Oceans Day activities

Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation, today announced that on Thursday, June 8, government will join the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) and the Marine Institute in celebrations for World Oceans Day.

Minister Rideout said, "The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, in association with NAIA and the Marine Institute, will be hosting an aquaculture display at the Marine Institute illustrating the growth phases of mussels, cod, and salmon. Also on display will be miniature models of aquaculture farms."

Each display will include 20 minute presentations designed to provide children with an opportunity to learn from, and participate in, the presentations.

"World Oceans Day was initiated to educate school children about our waters and its creatures," said Minister Rideout. "The initiatives undertaken during World Oceans Day will increase awareness of the damage that has been done to our oceans and to encourage our young residents to respect the various species in our waters."

As part of the event, there will be World Oceans Day displays in three locations in St. John�s, including Memorial University of Newfoundland, the Marine Institute and the Fluvarium.

"Our aquaculture display will educate our school children on the importance of preserving our oceans and the species within them" said Minister Rideout. "It is very important that everyone know the importance of the province�s industry and how it operates in an ocean-friendly manner.

"World Oceans Day creates awareness among young people of the importance of a sustainable seafood industry while ensuring that our oceans and its inhabitants are protected in a sustainable manner," said Minister Rideout.

Minister Jackman stressed the importance of having sound water resource management and has encouraged people to become caretakers of our ocean in order to sustain it for the future.

"Keeping our rivers clean and healthy is a first step to keeping our oceans healthy, as our rivers flow into the ocean," said Minister Jackman. "Furthermore, we recognize the importance of municipal waste water treatment. Traditionally, municipal waste water was discharged in the ocean. We are working with municipalities like St. John�s and Stephenville to provide waste water treatment."

Minister Jackman noted this is Environment Week and that the Water Resources Division of his department has been challenged by the North East Avalon Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP) to do a river cleanup. "On Friday, June 9 my staff will be cleaning the Virginia River in St. John�s between Wedgewood Medical Centre and Virginia Lake. They and members of ACAP will be doing their part to keep our rivers clean, and I encourage others to do the same."

World Oceans day originated in Rio De Janeiro during the United Nations Earth Summit on June 8, 1992 to promote ocean health and sustainable development following the growing awareness of the worldwide loss of plant and animal species.

"We are certainly committed to doing our part in providing awareness on the important role that our oceans play for their inhabitants while ensuring that our fishing and seafood industries stay viable," said Minister Rideout.

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2006 06 07                                            11:30 a.m.