Executive Council
Fisheries and Aquaculture
July 2, 2010Newfoundland and
Labrador to Enter New Era of Fisheries Science Research
Having relied for decades upon the research of the
Federal Government and others, the Government of Newfoundland and
Labrador today announced substantial investments which will
significantly expand long-term fisheries science capabilities for the
province. Included in the $14 million announcement by the Honourable
Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, is $5.25 million
to charter an offshore fisheries research vessel. This marks the first
time in Newfoundland and Labrador's history that the province will
solely fund and deploy a fisheries science vessel. In addition, the
Provincial Government will invest in a suite of new fisheries science
research programs, including the establishment of a new Centre for
Fisheries Ecosystems Research. The province will work with Memorial
University and its Fisheries and Marine Institute to develop and
implement these programs.
Premier Williams made the announcement today at the Fisheries and Marine
Institute, and was joined by the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of
Fisheries and Aquaculture, Dr. Gary Kachanoski, President and
Vice-chancellor of Memorial University, Glenn Blackwood, Executive
Director of the Fisheries and Marine Institute, Glenn Janes, Chief
Executive Officer of the Research & Development Corporation (RDC),
Robert Verge, Managing Director of the Canadian Centre for Fisheries
Innovation (CCFI), and Dr. George Rose, well-known fisheries research
scientist from the Marine Institute.
"Eighteen years ago today, our province was forever changed by the
implementation of the moratorium on Northern cod," said Premier
Williams. "On this anniversary, our government is announcing investments
that will serve to once again change the face of the fishery in
Newfoundland and Labrador, but this time in a much more positive and
forward thinking direction. No longer will we exclusively rely upon the
research of others to guide the fishery into the future. Today, we once
again take control of our destiny by investing in our own fisheries
research and development. Our government recognized the importance of
R&D when we established the Research & Development Corporation, and
today we take it to the next level by investing in the industry that has
sustained us as a people for more than 500 years. These investments will
help provide the knowledge, capacity and expertise necessary to ensure a
vibrant, sustainable fishery well into the future."
Arrangements have already been made to secure the RV Celtic Explorer
from the Marine Institute in Ireland for a Northern cod winter acoustic
survey in early 2011. The RV Celtic Explorer is a 65-metre
state-of-the-art fisheries research vessel, capable of conducting
offshore acoustic surveys and other oceanographic work throughout the
year in the waters off Newfoundland and Labrador. This is the type of
vessel that is required in order to enhance the understanding of the
status of commercial fish stocks and the marine environment they live
in. Such information will better enable the province's fishing industry
to ensure sustainability of fish stocks, which is an increasingly
important component of seafood marketing. The Provincial Government, in
consultation with the Marine Institute, is pursuing further charter
arrangements. As well, a more permanent vessel arrangement for the
centre will be established after the initial charter arrangements are
completed.
"The fishing industry is at the heart of the livelihood of the people of
rural Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Jackman. "Our commitment
to the fishing industry has been unwavering with investments such as the
Fishing Industry Renewal Strategy, the Memorandum of Understanding with
industry and a new oceans strategy. The fishery is a one billion dollar
industry that has been in decline in the midst of the current global
economic crisis. It is a very important industry to the future of the
province and it is critically important to coastal communities. Better
fisheries management through better fisheries science is an opportunity
to improve and sustain this industry."
From the funding allocated, the Provincial Government will provide
$11.75 million to establish the Centre for Fisheries Ecosystem Research,
at Memorial University's Fisheries and Marine Institute. This funding
will provide $6.5 million toward the human resources and operating costs
of the centre, over the next five years. Also, $5.25 million will be
used to charter large vessels, such as the RV Celtic Explorer, for
offshore research. Premier Williams announced today that Dr. George Rose
will head this new organization.
"I am extremely pleased to announce that Dr. George Rose, a
Newfoundlander and renowned fisheries scientist, will be the new
director of the Centre for Fisheries Ecosystem Research," said Premier
Williams. "I have always had the greatest respect for this individual;
not only for his knowledge and expertise, but for his passion for this
province and I look forward to his continued contributions."
The Provincial Government also announced $2 million to fund CCFI and
another $200,000 has been committed for a highly sophisticated inshore
fisheries research vessel, the RV Gecho II. This vessel will enable
research in coastal bays with unique habitats, inshore spawning and
nursery habitats. It will also enable the province to better monitor
inshore and offshore species migration.
"This announcement represents a significant stride forward for Memorial
University's research effort," said Dr. Kachanoski. "With this support,
the university can now direct serious attention to the challenges of
understanding the dynamics of the fish stocks off our province's coasts.
This is truly a significant milestone for Memorial, the Marine Institute
and the province. I am thankful for this support and am confident it
will bolster the work of the Marine Institute's School of Fisheries and
increase Memorial's presence in these areas of research so vital to the
economy of this province."
This new funding will dramatically improve the fisheries science
research capabilities in the province and open up opportunities to
collaborate with Canadian fisheries scientists, as well as other
fisheries research bodies across the globe. This will include fisheries
research organizations in Ireland, Iceland, Norway, New Zealand and the
United States. As well, this investment will fund a total of 14
positions for research, technology and support staff. In addition, up to
20 fisheries science graduate students will be engaged in this research
on an annual basis. This represents a significant increase in research
capacity.
"For almost 50 years, the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial
University has been an unwavering supporter of the fishing industry in
Newfoundland and Labrador," said Mr. Blackwood. "The fishery was the
driving force behind our creation as a College of Fisheries in 1964 and
it will continue to play a major role in the long-term future of this
institution and our province. The funding announced here today will
allow us to continue to collaborate with industry and governments to
build on the capacity that already exists here in the province and
ensure that the fishing industry remains a key pillar of sustainable
economic development in the province."
One of the major factors in determining the success of the province's
fishing industry is the ability to predict shifts in the province's
marine ecosystem and the ability to respond to those changes. With the
establishment of this new research centre, the province will now be
better able to assess fish stocks and advise on how to manage them
accordingly.
"This investment in building long-term fisheries science capacity within
the province marks a significant milestone," said Mr. Janes. "The RDC is
pleased to assist in establishing the Centre for Fisheries Ecosystem
Research and housing it at the Marine Institute gives the research
undertaken a level of independence that will only enhance its
credibility."
While the major focus of this research will be on fisheries, to the
extent that resources permit, it may also be possible to explore other
areas of oceans research and development. For example, it may be
possible to engage in seabed mapping for the purposes of developing the
province's oil and gas industry.
"The Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation is very pleased to be part
of this announcement today," said Mr. Verge. "With the new funding the
province is making available to CCFI, we will continue to draw on the
capabilities of Memorial University and the Marine Institute in order to
help the fishing and aquaculture industries take advantage of
opportunities and solve problems. The Provincial Government's investment
in CCFI will go directly into leading-edge research and development that
will help the industry strengthen its international competitiveness. We
are also very pleased with the establishment of the Centre for Fisheries
Ecosystem Research. We thank the Provincial Government for its continued
forward thinking and investment in research and development. We look
forward to working closely with the new centre on joint initiatives."
This new suite of fisheries science research programs will provide an
opportunity for the province to better understand fish stocks and the
health of the province's marine ecosystem. Changes in crab and shrimp
stocks have been a concern for some time, as has the recovery of
adjacent groundfish species. There have been serious issues with harp
and grey seal populations, as harp seal populations have tripled since
the 1970s. It is estimated that seals consume eight times the total
harvest of all Canadian seafood. Improved fisheries science capabilities
will enable the province to more effectively participate in federal and
international fisheries management decision making, related to these
issues.
"This initiative by the Williams Government supports a vision of a
long-term future for the fisheries of Newfoundland and Labrador," said
Dr. Rose. "It is an opportunity to permanently establish fisheries
research at Memorial University and turns a whole new page in local
research capacities. The initial focus will be on the most important
fisheries research questions of the day, which cloud the essential
rebuilding of groundfish stocks, in particular those of cod. This
research will be locally based and vital to the future of the fisheries
and of rural Newfoundland and Labrador. We hope to work closely with
other researchers, particularly those at academic and other
institutions, and government agencies."
Photo #1: The RV Celtic
Explorer will be the province's new research vessel with the Centre for
Fisheries Ecosystems Research
Photo #2: The RV GECHO II
will conduct sophisticated inshore fisheries research
Photo #3:
News Conference
regarding Fisheries Science investment at the Fisheries and Marine
Institute of Memorial University. (l-r) Honourable Clyde Jackman,
Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture; Honourable Danny Williams,
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador; Dr. Gary Kachanoski, president
and vice-chancellor of Memorial University; Glenn Blackwood,
Executive Director, Fisheries and Marine Institute; Glenn Janes,
Chief Executive Officer, Research & Development Corporation; Robert
Verge, managing director of the Canadian Centre for Fisheries
Innovation; Dr. George Rose, the new director of the Centre for
Fisheries Ecosystems Research.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
Elizabeth Matthews
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca |
Andrea Nolan
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
709-729-4304, 7270991
andreanolan@gov.nl.ca
|
Lori Lee Oates
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 690-8403
oatesll@gov.nl.ca |
Stephanie Barrett
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Fisheries and Marine Institute
709-778-0677, 687-6508
stephanie.barrett@mi.mun.ca
|
Libby Carew
Director, Marketing
Research & Development Corporation
709-758-0973, 728-6852
libbycarew@researchnl.com |
Ivan Muzychka
Associate Director (Communications)
Division of Marketing and Communications
Memorial University of Newfoundland
709-737-8665, 687-9433
ivanm@mun.ca |
Cathie Horan
Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation
709-778-0515
Cathie.Horan@mi.mun.ca |
|
BACKGROUNDERS
Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems
Research
The Provincial Government is investing $11.75 million
toward the establishment of a Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research.
The centre will be housed at the Fisheries and Marine Institute of
Memorial University and address the need for increased capacity in
fisheries science in Newfoundland and Labrador by building on the
capacity base that exists at the School of Fisheries. The centre will
employ approximately 14 people including fisheries scientists,
technicians and support staff.
Dr. George Rose will be director of the centre. Dr. Rose is an
internationally-known fisheries scientist. He was born in St. John's and
is widely considered an international authority on Atlantic cod. He
holds a doctorate in biology from McGill University and was stationed in
St. John's for eight years as a Federal Department of Fisheries and
Oceans scientist. He has spent the last 15 years with the Marine
Institute.
Dr. Rose has previously supervised the doctoral work of a number of
students who have had to leave the province to find work upon completion
of their education. Building the capacity for fisheries research in the
province will provide an opportunity for highly qualified professionals
to return to the province and for current students to stay when they
graduate to contribute to greater understanding of our fishery resources
and marine ecosystems.
Initially, the research projects will focus primarily on Northern cod,
both inshore and offshore. As the centre expands its capabilities and
capacity, the research projects will broaden in scope to include other
species, studies of species interactions and their interaction with the
environment.
The Provincial Government will work with the Fisheries and Marine
Institute of Memorial University on the development and implementation
of a governance structure that will determine research priorities and
develop the work plan for the centre.
Canadian Centre for Fisheries
Innovation
The Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation (CCFI)
works with the fishing, fish processing and aquaculture industries to
help them take advantage of opportunities and solve problems. In doing
that, it provides a matchmaking service between the industry and the
research and development (R&D) capabilities of the Marine Institute,
Memorial University and other academic institutions. It provides funding
for R&D projects, helps attract funds from other sources and manages
projects to ensure they achieve their goals.
CCFI has operated successfully from a base at the Marine Institute for
21 years. During that time, it has collaborated with well over 200
clients and completed over 770 industry-driven research and development
projects, at a cost of $94 million. For every dollar of government money
invested in CCFI, it has leveraged five dollars from other sources
including industry, academic institutions and other government programs.
CCFI's research and development have been undertaken during a period of
major change, when our industries have been challenged by drastic
reductions in our groundfish resources, globalization of markets, the
emergence of aquaculture as a new supplier of fish products, rising
energy costs, increasing concern about the industry's environmental
footprint and rapid evolution of technology. Projects have covered a
wide variety of areas including fish stock assessments, environmentally
sustainable fish harvesting technology, vessel safety and productivity,
energy efficiency, value-added seafood processing, waste management and
aquaculture development. As a result of this work, CCFI has been a
driving force behind industry progress in competitiveness and
productivity.
It has also undertaken projects throughout Atlantic Canada, including
with 13 colleges and universities in the region. Through that work, it
has greatly increased the capacity to carry out leading edge fisheries
and aquaculture research and development in the Atlantic Provinces.
With the new funding from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador,
CCFI is now positioned to push forward with a renewed program of
research and development, designed to ensure that the fishing, fish
processing, and aquaculture industries based in this province improve
their global competitiveness and contribute to sustainable economic
growth.
Research & Development Corporation
The Research & Development Corporation (RDC) is a
provincial crown corporation that was established to improve
Newfoundland and Labrador's research and development (R&D) performance.
Incorporated under the Research and Development Council Act in 2009, RDC
operates as an arm's length entity of the Provincial Government.
The mandate of RDC is to strengthen the focus, quantity, quality and
relevance of research and development undertaken in the province, and
elsewhere, for the long-term benefit of the province. Increased research
and development activities will play a major role in driving innovation,
creating wealth and increasing economic growth in Newfoundland and
Labrador for future generations.
Over the long-term, RDC will provide leadership, strategic focus and
planning in order to strengthen and improve the research system
throughout the province. It has developed programs for its three client
groups; industry, academia and government.
Industry programs provide financial investments to businesses to
encourage or support R&D activities that can reasonably be expected to
benefit the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador. While the RDC's core
industry programs, R&D Vouchers and R&D Proof of Concept, are open to
all industrial sectors, specialized programming is targeted at the RDC's
focus areas of energy and ocean technology.
Academic programs are delivered under the Industrial Research and
Innovation Fund (IRIF). These programs are designed to build a strong
foundation of quality research and research personnel in the province's
publicly-funded post-secondary institutions.
For more information about the RDC, go to
www.researchnl.com
RV Celtic Explorer
The Fisheries and Marine Institute is currently
finalizing arrangements to charter the RV Celtic Explorer from the
Marine Institute in Ireland for its initial project. The Irish Institute
has a significant fisheries acoustic program and operates the RV Celtic
Explorer, which is a state-of-the-art 65.5 metre fisheries research
vessel capable of conducting offshore acoustic surveys and other
oceanographic work, throughout the year in the waters off Newfoundland
and Labrador.
This is the type of vessel that meets the new Centre for Fisheries
Ecosystems Research specifications with respect to specialized
equipment, distance and weather capabilities, and importantly, it is
compliant with minimum sound requirements needed for acoustic surveying.
The vessel is also equipped for scientific trawling (fishing) and
oceanographic research.
The first research project carried out will be an offshore acoustic
survey during the winter of 2011. This is different than the bottom
trawl research that is currently being carried out by the Federal
Government. As well, this new research will apply different technologies
and research techniques that are not currently being used.
It is anticipated that the initial research carried out by the Fisheries
and Marine Institute will be specific to Northern cod which is currently
being harvested through a very restrictive stewardship fishery. However,
there will be research conducted on other species in the future.
The Provincial Government, in consultation with the Marine Institute, is
pursuing further charter arrangements for the next three years.
Concurrent with this, the parties will conduct a thorough assessment of
a purpose-build offshore fisheries and oceanographic research vessel
similar to the RV Celtic Explorer for long-term application, after the
charter arrangement is completed.
RV GECHO II
The RV GECHO II is a 10 metre fisheries research
vessel, designed for work in the coastal waters off Newfoundland and
Labrador. This vessel will enable research in coastal bays with unique
inshore spawning and nursery habitats. It will also enable the province
to better monitor inshore and offshore species migration.
The vessel is specifically equipped for surveying fish with two
scientific echo sounders, firing five transducers that are capable of
detecting and measuring marine life from plankton to large fish, double
Global Position Systems, a bridge echo sounder, radar, and VHF and
Sirius radios, all of which are networked for data sharing.
The hull and cabin were custom built by Milton Fibreglass in Shoal
Harbour. Blue Water Marine and Equipment Ltd. of Mount Pearl outfitted
the propulsion system. Custom aluminum and steel work for the sonar
deployment system were completed by ProArc Fabrication Ltd. of Mount
Pearl. Storage batteries and the inverter system for the scientific
equipment were supplied by Solar Winds Energy of Clarenville.
Additional equipment includes an array of telemetry equipment for
tracking tagged fish, tow equipment for capturing early life stage fish
and a Remote Operated Vehicle. As well, there is an oceanographic winch
and CTD that is capable of temperature and salinity measurements, to a
depth of 500 metres. Safety equipment includes survival suits, a Zodiac
life raft and a GPIRB, supplied by Atlantic Electronics Ltd. of Mount
Pearl.
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