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Fisheries and Aquaculture
September 12, 2013

Ocean Education Initiative Expands with Provincial Government Support

The Ocean Education Initiative, a program that provides students with learning experiences focused on ocean technology and ocean careers, will expand in the coming year with financial support from the Provincial Government. The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today announced $50,000 to support the next phase of the program, which involves developing web-based and digital resources that connect students in classrooms with ocean professionals.

“The Provincial Government is committed to helping young people explore the marine environments surrounding our province and consider future careers within them,” said Minister Dalley. “I commend the staff at the Oceans Learning Partnership for taking the lead with this great initiative, and look forward to seeing the many unique learning opportunities they create with our continued support of $50,000 this year.”

The program has provided a variety of learning experiences for hundreds of school students in classrooms and at sea. Using state-of-the-art scientific equipment, students have learned how to measure water temperature, salinity and pH, record weather conditions, and identify a variety of marine species and habitats. Students have also learned about basic coastal navigation along with boating safety skills.

“The Ocean Education Initiative has had great success providing innovative learning experiences that make a positive and lasting impact on youth,” said Roger Pearson, Chair of the Board of the Oceans Learning Partnership. “We appreciate the Provincial Government’s support, and look forward to growing the program this year in ways that will make it even more accessible to students throughout the province.”

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has committed $150,000 towards this initiative since 2011, along with $250,000 of financial support that was committed by the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development last year. In addition to the funding provided to the Ocean Education Initiative, the Provincial Government supports youth engagement with marine environments by funding Students on Ice scholarships, the Dr. Wilfred Templeman Memorial Scholarship for graduate students, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Scholarship, and student placements at the Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research at the Marine Institute.

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Photo:

  • Ocean Learning Initiative students with Captain Jan Negrijn aboard the RV Coastal Explorer
Ocean Learning Initiative students with Captain Jan Negrijn aboard the RV Coastal Explorer

Media contacts:

Jason Card
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 699-0470
JasonCard@gov.nl.ca 
Maria Giovannini
Senior Communications Consultant
Oceans Learning Partnership
709-746-4252
Mariag@olp-nl.org 

2013 09 12                           10:55 a.m.

 
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