Fisheries and Aquaculture
November 14, 2011
New Simulator Software Increases Safety for Fish Harvesters
The Marine Institute’s School of Fisheries is simulating real-life situations experienced by fish harvesters to help create safer working conditions. The Provincial Government is investing $250,000 in the initiative, which brings its total commitment to date to more than $500,000.
The Fishing Vessel Stability Simulator Project will be a distance education tool produced in French and English. In collaboration with the Canadian Council of Professional Fish Harvesters, the School of Fisheries will use multi-media materials and electronic simulations of vessel operations and fishing activities to provide users with the ability to learn the concepts of fishing vessel stability.
“Simulating vessel loading conditions and situations encountered by fish harvesters on a daily basis will better equip them to handle situations when they occur in real life,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “Development of this technology is representative of how Newfoundland and Labrador’s ocean technology sector is supporting ocean industries by working to increase vessel safety through education. It is a sector that is making valuable contributions that help maximize the potential of ocean industries.”
The simulator, a multi-media DVD with computer game-like features, will allow users to select a vessel and simulate its operation in real-life conditions. This investment from the Provincial Government will assist in the completion of the design, production, and testing of the software, scheduled for release in 2012.
“This project is an excellent example of how the Provincial Government’s Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program is supporting new innovations that are advancing the safety, sustainability, and competitiveness of our provincial fishery,” said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “My department has contributed almost $300,000 towards this valuable project since 2007 because it has the potential to enhance safety for fish harvesters around the world. It is exciting to see such innovation emerging from our province, and I commend everyone who is contributing to this valuable work.”
While the software will be distributed free to Canadian fish harvesters, there are plans for the commercialization of the software for national and international markets. The Marine Institute is currently developing a downloadable version of the simulator.
“It has been an exhaustive effort to bring this e-simulator to life and one the Marine Institute believes will be one of the most valuable educational tools ever delivered to fish harvesters,” said Carey Bonnell, head of the Marine Institute’s School of Fisheries. “This e-simulator is practical, accessible and allows the fish harvester to simulate in a 3D computer environment how their type of vessel will respond to changes in conditions that affect stability. It’s that knowledge which will contribute to safer work environments for fish harvesters and prevent accidents or loss of life at sea.”
The School of Fisheries, within the Marine Institute, develops, applies, and transforms new technology initiatives to support the fishery and other marine industries. Through this initiative, it is working closely with the Canadian Council of Professional Fish Harvesters.
“Safety starts with knowing the fundamentals of vessel stability and understanding how your vessel can react, not just relying on experience or ‘feel of the boat’,” said John Sutcliffe, Executive Director, Canadian Council of Professional Fish Harvesters. “Our council is proud to lead the initiative to develop this e-simulator in partnership with the Marine Institute, the first simulator of its kind in the world. The support from the Provincial Government, Marine Institute and our partners will ensure this innovative technology is put in the hands of fish harvesters where its impact will be long-lasting on the fishing and oceans sectors.”
Of the $250,000 investment made by Provincial Government this year, $150,000 is through the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development’s OceanTech Smart Growth program. The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has contributed $100,000 through its Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program.
During the first three years of the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program, the Provincial Government invested approximately $6 million to support a total of 127 industry-driven projects. Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador continued the program for an additional three years with a total investment of $6.6 million.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
| Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
Jason Card Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 699-0470 jasoncard@gov.nl.ca |
|
|
Kimberley Thornhill Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University 709-778-0544 |
John Sutcliffe Executive Director Canadian Council of Professional Fish Harvesters 613-235-3474 |
2011 11 14 10:35 a.m.