The Provincial Government is introducing a new fisheries scholarship that will assist students entering post-secondary studies and increase the awareness of the fishing industry among the province�s youth.

The scholarship is valued at $1,000 and will be awarded to one student who is graduating high school in 2008 and commencing post-secondary studies in the fall.

"Our government has been very proactive in assisting students with the financial burdens of post-secondary studies," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Acting Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "To that end, I am pleased that my department is contributing to these efforts with the introduction of this scholarship."

Students who wish to apply for the scholarship must submit a 2,500 word essay describing what he or she feels is the biggest issue facing the province�s fishing industry and provide solutions for how that issue would best be addressed.

"This will be a very worthwhile exercise for all students, as it will provide them with an opportunity to research one particular aspect of the fishing industry," said Minister Taylor. "Our fishing industry is the backbone of province both economically and culturally, and this will be a tremendous learning experience for our students, while at the same time giving them the opportunity to obtain financial assistance for their post-secondary studies. I encourage all students to apply and wish them all the best of luck."

The scholarship is being funded through the Sustainable Fisheries and Ocean Policy Division, which is mandated to deal with fisheries science, management and ocean policy issues on behalf of the Provincial Government.