Researchers from the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland (MI) and the University of Rhode Island (URI) are collaborating on an extensive research expedition off the coast of the province.  The Provincial Government is contributing $250,000 to the project, which will examine the long-term changes in human use and the environment on the Grand Banks and in Placentia Bay.

"This initiative strengthens the growing ties between the province and Rhode Island," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "It captures the spirit and intent of the 2006 Memoranda of Understanding between the two jurisdictions. Through collaboration on mutually-beneficial projects, we are utilizing our collective knowledge and experiences to acquire a greater understanding of the ocean."

Researchers from the Marine Institute and Memorial University will travel on-board the URI�s research vessel, Endeavor. The team will use an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to collect data from the southeastern corner of the Grand Banks to Cape Race and from Cape Race to Placentia Bay. In Placentia Bay, MI�s vessel Anne S. Pierce will assist Endeavor in searching for shipwrecks and it will also collect samples of deep sea corals found in the area.

"The province is home to an ocean technology sector that is earning a reputation for developing world-class products," said Minister Taylor. "This expedition provides our ocean engineers and scientists with the opportunity to advance their knowledge and engage in field work with their counterparts from Rhode Island. It also marks an important step in gathering accurate information in the waters off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador."

The expedition will conclude with Endeavor docking in St. John�s on July 28. Upon its arrival in St. John�s, media representatives are invited to an event and tour of the vessel at 11 a.m.  The vessel will be open to the general public between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

"The visit of the Endeavor highlights the strong relationship we have built with the University of Rhode Island through our MOU," said Glenn Blackwood, MI�s Executive Director. "The support of the Provincial Government through the Department of Innovation Trade and Rural Development has been instrumental in building our connections to URI and our collaborations have been an enormous success."

Elements of the mission will also be incorporated in the Immersion Presents program. Immersion Presents is available in 30 sites throughout North America, of which Canada�s only site was recently opened at MI. Through this program over 500,000 students from across North America are able to participate virtually in scientific expeditions all over the world.

"An ocean full of opportunities exists for our youth," said Minister Taylor. "This tool is intended to spark their interest and open their minds to the experiences they can enjoy in ocean-related industries."

The project is funded through the Innovation Enhancement Program (IEP). IEP provides non-repayable contributions up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs to a maximum of $250,000 per project. The program is available to public sector institutions, not-for-profit groups, community organizations and industry associations that are involved in activities that enhance innovation in the province.

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