The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, has presented the third annual Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Scholarship, to Victoria French of Bay Roberts. The scholarship was created to increase awareness of the province's fishing and aquaculture industries among students entering post-secondary institutions.

"It is important that we continually raise awareness of the province's fishing and aquaculture industries among our youth," said Minister Jackman. "There is a bright future in the fishing industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. It will be a very different industry than we know it as today. That is why we must attract youth with the intellect and energy of Ms. French to meet the challenges ahead.

"There are many opportunities in the fields of fisheries science and oceanographic and marine research. Furthermore, the fishing industry of the future will increasingly rely on science and technology as a means of maintaining global competitiveness, creating new opportunities for the best and brightest among our youth. It is important that the young people of the province understand the opportunities that are a part of this industry that is so critical to our province."

As part of the requirements for the scholarship, students were asked to write an essay of up to 2,500 words on the major issues facing the province's fishing or aquaculture industries. They were also challenged to include possible solutions to these problems. Victoria's essay addresses issues such as climate change and the deep impact it is having on the province's fishing industry through migration, the shrimp life cycle and Canadian seal populations.

Victoria is a graduate of Ascension Collegiate in Bay Roberts. She has demonstrated an excellent record of academic achievement, as well as involvement in both her school and community. While in high school she maintained a 95 per cent average in a French immersion program. She was the co-founder of Ascension for War Child which raised funds to rebuild a school for the children of the Democratic Republic of Congo. She was also a group leader with the environmental group Gaia and participated in Tutoring for Tuition and the 30 Hour Famine. Outside of school, she has been active with piano lessons and ballet classes. Victoria has been accepted to Memorial University and is studying to become a French immersion teacher.

"Victoria is obviously a very talented and dedicated individual," said Minister Jackman. "I congratulate her on taking the initiative to educate herself on the fishing industry and working to develop solutions to the very complex issues facing the industry. She is a very accomplished student and I am positive she will go far."

The scholarship of $1,000 is funded through the department's Sustainable Fisheries and Oceans Policy Division. This division provides input on fisheries management and science, and oceans policy development processes within the province.

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Photo: The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, presents Victoria French of Bay Roberts with the third annual Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture scholarship.

2010 10 25                                                   10:40 a.m.