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NLIS 5
May 5, 2006
(Innovation, Trade and Rural Development)
 

World-class cod genomics research project gains support of province

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing $350,000 to a Genome Atlantic research project designed to enhance the commercial viability of the cod aquaculture industry in Atlantic Canada.

The announcement was made today by Intergovernmental Affairs Minister John Ottenheimer on behalf of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development Kathy Dunderdale, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The minister was joined by Michael Dennis, President and CEO of Genome Atlantic, Atlantic Cod Genomics Project co-lead Jane Symonds, Memorial University representatives Robert Lucas and Don Deibel, Ben Davis from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and industry representatives Jonathan Moir and Mike Rose.

The objective of the Atlantic Cod Genomics and Broodstock Development Project is to develop a breeding program and a set of fundamental genomics tools which will be used to supply the developing Atlantic cod aquaculture industry with improved broodstock.

"The purpose of the province�s Innovation Strategy is to encourage projects like this which help maintain Newfoundland and Labrador�s position as a world leader in ocean sciences research and development," said Minister Dunderdale. "The provincial government recognizes the economic potential of world-class genomics research being conducted in Newfoundland and Labrador. The project will also make our aquaculture industry more competitive in international markets and create jobs in rural Newfoundland and Labrador."

The $18 million project is led by researchers in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, in partnership with Genome Atlantic. Over $5 million of the project funds are to be invested in Newfoundland and Labrador. Research and industry-partner activities also occur at facilities in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, British Columbia and New Hampshire.

"Cod has always been important to Atlantic Canada," said Dr. Dennis. "Funding of this project will enhance the world-class genomics research capacity in Atlantic Canada and bring important breakthroughs in our growing aquaculture industry."

Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy. But it often relies on wild populations for broodstock. This program will identify and select elite broodstock through the application of selective breeding and genomics.

The provincial government�s contribution to the project is made through the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development.

A brief project description is attached. A more extensive description of the project is available on the Atlantic Cod Genomics and Broodstock Development web site: www.codgene.ca.

Media contact:

  • Lynn Evans, Director of Communications, Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, (709) 729-4570
  • Jill Murrin, Director of Communications, Genome Atlantic, (902) 421-5683
  • Tracey Hennessey, Communications Advisor, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, (709) 772-7633
  • Deborah Inkpen, Communications Coordinator (Research), Office of the Vice-President (Research), Memorial University of Newfoundland, (709) 737-4073
  • 2006 05 05                                           11:50 a.m.


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