The Honourable Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today said that government is providing $25,000 to fund the Dr. Wilfred Templeman Memorial Scholarship. MUN students specializing in fisheries studies and research will be eligible to apply.

"The collapse of the northern cod fishery changed the face of the Newfoundland and Labrador groundfishery forever," said Minister Rideout. "While many held the expectation that the stocks would eventually rebuild, a decade and a half later we have seen very limited success in this regard. If such growth is to occur, there is no denying that much more fisheries science is required. We believe that a scholarship of this nature could encourage our young scientists to complete groundfish research in areas such as stock assessment, population dynamics and predator-prey relationships. Such research could contribute significantly to the future of the Newfoundland and Labrador groundfishery."

Successful applicants will receive $5,000 for the completion of a two-year postgraduate program.

"As we move to implement this scholarship and recognize our young scientists for their efforts in groundfish research, it is extremely fitting that we recognize Dr. Wilfred Templeman," said the minister. "The work of Dr. Templeman in fisheries research, particularly prior to Confederation, is still constantly referred to today. Indeed, at this point in our history, more scientists with the dedication and passion of Dr. Templeman will certainly prove to be beneficial. That is why we have chosen to honour this individual through the implementation of this scholarship."

Dr. Wilfred Templeman was born in Bonavista in 1908. Prior to Confederation, he was a director of the Newfoundland Government Laboratory, and following Confederation, he was a director of the Fisheries Research Board Biological Station in St. John�s. His research focused on many of the main commercial fish species of the Northwest Atlantic, including cod, haddock, redfish, American plaice, turbot and salmon. Dr. Templeman was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1948, and was named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 1950.

Dr. Axel Meisen, President of MUN, said he is pleased that a new scholarship would encourage study into the groundfishery. "The fishery continues to be of major importance to the province, particularly the rural communities in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Dr. Meisen. "We applaud this support for students pursuing groundfish research."

"I am very pleased that government has partnered with MUN to establish this scholarship in my father�s name," said Sandy Fennelly, daughter of the late Dr. Templeman. "He made many significant contributions to the Newfoundland and Labrador fishery, and it is tremendous to see him honoured in this fashion. Dad took his work very seriously, and I know that he would be proud that his work is still very much respected and appreciated today."

"I encourage all individuals who wish to pursue a career in groundfish research to apply for this scholarship," said Minister Rideout.

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Media contact:
Lori Lee Oates
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 690-8403
oatesll@gov.nl.ca