The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has awarded its first-ever departmental scholarship. The scholarship program was developed to help students entering post-secondary studies to increase their awareness of the fishing industry in the province and is valued at $1,000. The scholarship was awarded by the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture to Jessica Besaw of St. John�s.

"It has been a goal of my department to increase awareness within the province of our fishing industry," said Minister Hedderson. "It was felt that one of the best ways to create awareness among young people was to create a scholarship program which required them to write an essay on the province�s fishery. This year�s winner certainly demonstrated in her essay that young people can become quite knowledgeable of the fishing industry with some research and hard work."

Jessica Besaw is a graduate of Bishops College with an excellent academic record and a high level extracurricular participation. She maintained an average of 97.5 per cent while participating in activities such the year book committee, theater arts, Students Against Driving Drunk, Run for the Cure, soccer, cross country running, Taekwondo and a school beautification program.

"I offer my sincere congratulations to Jessica on her award winning essay," said Sheila Osborne, Member of the House of Assembly for St. John�s West.  "Clearly, she is a well-rounded individual and it is heartening to know that our students are gaining insight into issues regarding our province�s resources."

Students applying for the scholarship submitted a 2,500 word essay describing what they saw as the major issues facing the province�s fishing industry. They were also asked to provide potential solutions. The winning essay addressed such issues as over-fishing, technology, the need for increased scientific research and aquaculture.

The scholarship is funded through the Sustainable Fisheries and Oceans Policy Division which is mandated to manage fisheries science and oceans policy issues.

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Photo #1:  The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, with scholarship winner Jessica Besaw.
 

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