Fisheries and Aquaculture
May 15, 2014
Adapting to Climate Change Benefits Communities and Families
Provincial Government Supports Climate Change Exhibit Through Partnerships
The Provincial Government has partnered with Memorial University and the Bonne Bay Marine Station to develop an interactive climate change awareness exhibit called Newfoundland and Labrador: A Sea of Change to be unveiled tomorrow (Saturday, May 17) in Norris Point.
“Climate change is a global challenge which has significant implications for Newfoundland and Labrador. As one component of government’s Climate Change Action Plan through the Turn Back the Tide campaign, this initiative uses the latest technology to inform and educate visitors to the station. The interactive application is also available for download on smartphones through the app store. ”
- The Honourable Joan Shea, Minister Responsible for the Office of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
The new exhibit will be launched at the marine station in Norris Point during the Trails, Tales and Tunes Festival. The exhibit uses a custom-built downloadable digital application to show how climate change is impacting the marine environment, with information and examples that are specific to Newfoundland and Labrador.
“The digital focus of this exhibit brings something new and exciting to the Bonne Bay Marine Station and we are pleased to be working with the Provincial Government on this initiative. This project will provide enriched learning experiences for our students and the 11,000 tourists and local visitors welcomed by this facility each year.”
- Dr. Gary Kachanoski, President, Vice-Chancellor of Memorial University
Climate Change was identified as a key issue in the provincial Coastal and Ocean Management Strategy and Policy Framework, launched in 2011, and provides long-term strategic direction on the sustainable use of the province’s marine resources.
“This project will help people appreciate the effects of climate change on our province’s environment and economy, as climate change can have a significant impact on the province’s fish resources and marine environments. It is one of several public awareness projects the Provincial Government supports in order to emphasize the importance of marine stewardship, with others being beach cleanup initiatives, and World Oceans Day celebrations. I thank everyone involved with this project for their efforts, and encourage people to take in the exhibit.”
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
The digital application will also be available online when a web-based application is released through the app store after the launch of the exhibit.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government’s partnership project with Memorial University and Bonne Bay Marine Station entitled: Newfoundland and Labrador: A Sea of Change will raise awareness of climate change impacts and challenges.
- The Bonne Bay Marine Station is a research and teaching facility in Norris Point that is owned and operated by Grenfell Campus, Memorial University.
- $25,000 for the project was provided by the Provincial Government’s Office of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, and the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture through the Coastal and Ocean Grants Program and Memorial University’s Office of Public Engagement.
- The exhibit was initiated as part of the Provincial Government’s Turn Back the Tide campaign on climate change. More information on the Turn Back the Tide campaign can be found at www.turnbackthetide.ca.
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Media contacts:
| Deborah Thomas Director of Communications Department of Environment and Conservation Office of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency 709-729-2575, 728-8092 DeborahThomas@gov.nl.ca |
Jason Card Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 699-0470 JasonCard@gov.nl.ca |
| Kelly Foss Communications Coordinator Faculty of Science Memorial University 709-864-2019, 699-3788 kfoss@mun.ca |
2014 05 16 10:40 a.m.