"Newfoundland and Labrador�s ocean technology sector is earning a global reputation for the development of innovative, cutting-edge products and services," said Minister Skinner.  "As a government, we view the opportunities associated with this industry as being limitless.  This investment further strengthens the province�s position as a leader in ocean observation and enhances linkages in Europe, the United States, and other Canadian provinces."

The SmartBay Project began as a vast environmental monitoring demonstration project in Placentia Bay in 2005 with the goal of creating awareness of the importance of better observing the marine environment.  This funding will enable the project to become a fully-operational information service for improved weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, and ship navigation. 

"Placentia Bay is extraordinarily busy with marine traffic, a ship yard, wildlife reserves, and an active fishery � all of which operate in a very harsh weather environment," said Minister Skinner. "SmartBay�s progression provides the technology to ensure the bay�s ecosystem is protected. With this technology SmartBay will provide better information leading to better decision-making."

SmartBay is a collaboration of the Marine Institute (MI) in partnership with AMEC Earth and Environmental, ICAN, and EIT Ltd., The project is representative of the collaborative approach that is being taken to grow the local ocean technology community from a $250 million industry to a $1 billion industry by 2015.

"Placentia Bay is becoming the industrial heartland for the province and SmartBay plays an important role toward this end," said Glenn Blackwood, Executive Director of the Marine Institute. "Not only does SmartBay enhance the operational efficiency of marine activities in the bay but it also acts as a testbed and demonstration site for new and innovative ocean technologies. It is the largest ocean observation project in eastern Canada and an example of industry, government and the applied research arm of MI working together to position the province as a leader in this aspect of ocean technology."