Fisheries and Aquaculture
December 15, 2014

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture:

Provincial Government Engaging Youth in Marine Studies

I rise in this Honourable House to note our government’s commitment to engaging youth in marine studies.

For decades our fishery has been a cornerstone of our province’s economy and culture. The fishery is rooted in our history, and as we move forward it is important that we engage youth who will be the harvesters, processors, scientists, inspectors and policy-makers of our future fisheries and aquaculture sector.

Mr. Speaker for this reason the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Scholarship was created in 2008 to promote awareness and appreciation of the province’s fishing and aquaculture industries among graduating high school students. This past year Nicole Kennedy of Spaniard’s Bay was the winner of the seventh annual Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Scholarship.

Mr. Speaker, funding has also been provided for a number of youth-focused initiatives that encourage youth to pursue active participation in coastal and ocean stewardship and learning. An example of this would be The Trading Books for Boats program that was created and launched by Atlantic Coastal Action Program Humber Arm in 2002. The program provides opportunities for students to collect data and learn about topics such as marine ecosystems and species, aquatic invasive species, marine debris, and ocean technology. The Provincial Government has supported this initiative because it engages and motivates youth to pursue success in the marine careers.

The department is also proud to support Students on Ice Arctic Expeditions, an award-winning organization offering unique educational expeditions to the Antarctic and the Arctic. This program provides students, educators and scientists from around the world with inspiring educational opportunities to help youth foster a new understanding and respect for the planet. Approximately $60,000 in funding under the Department’s Coastal and Oceans Strategy program has been provided to the Students on Ice Arctic Expedition since 2010.

In addition to the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Scholarship, the Provincial Government supports student engagement in marine issues by providing funding for student placements at the Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research, and the Dr. Wilfred Templeman Memorial Scholarship for graduate students studying fisheries science at Memorial University.

We look forward to continuing support for the youth of our province who show an interest in marine studies. By strengthening their understanding and knowledge, we ensure the future of our fisheries and aquaculture industry remains as vibrant as it is today.

Thank you Mr. Speaker.

2014 12 15                                                                     1:50 p.m.