Fisheries research engages youth

Minister Tours RV Celtic Explorer with Students

Friday, May 23, 2014

Having completed annual research initiatives for the Fisheries and Marine Institute’s Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research, the RV Celtic Explorer was made available for a tour today that involved the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, 12 provincial high school students, and students from the Marine Institute’s Marine Environmental Program.

“As Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture I was very pleased to see these young people exposed to the world-class fisheries science activity taking place on the RV Celtic Explorer. Newfoundland and Larador remains the only province in Canada that solely funds its own offshore fisheries research, and it is my hope that these students not only appreciate the scientific and economic value of researching our province’s fish resources and marine environments, but also consider how they might apply their immense talents in the field of research.”

- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture

Under the direction of Dr. George Rose, Director of the Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research, the RV Celtic Explorer continued survey work this year that revealed many insights into the province’s changing ocean environment, including increasing evidence of the resurgence of cod stocks.

“The research we pursue each year aboard the RV Celtic Explorer is vital to understanding the dynamics of the fish stocks off our province's coasts, which in turn builds knowledge that protects the economic interests of our province. The Newfoundland and Labrador work has produced another acoustic-trawl survey of spawning northern cod that benefited greatly from having the ICES 209 certified Celtic Explorer. This survey will have a significant influence on the current science on this iconic fish stock.”

- Dr. George Rose, Director, Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research

The vessel is the most sophisticated purpose-built vessel ever used for fisheries science research in the province. It features multi-beam sonar capability for ocean mapping and acoustic surveying, remote operated vehicle capability, a wet and dry laboratory, and accommodations for up to 18 scientists, technicians and students.

“The Marine Institute is always pleased to engage young people and the public at large in ways that promote an appreciation for the importance of marine environments and career opportunities within them, and today’s tour was another memorable way to do that.”

- Glenn Blackwood, Vice-President, Memorial University of Newfoundland (Marine Institute)

Through Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook, the Provincial Government has increased its support for the Marine Institute’s Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research with an investment of almost $5 million over the next two years.