Conference Allows Youth to Explore Marine Opportunities

Youth from throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are getting the opportunity to participate in Marine Institute Ocean Net's 13th Annual Youth and the Oceans Conference through an investment of $19,650 from the Provincial Government

The conference includes two days of presentations, break-out sessions and hands-on activities focusing on ocean sustainability issues, ocean-related careers and highlighting the opportunities for youth innovation and leadership within the marine sector.

"Through the Youth and the Oceans Conference, young people can gain knowledge about our marine environment," said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "It will inform our youth on the opportunities that are available to them in areas such as fisheries research, aquaculture, oceanography and the marine sciences. It's important our next generation become aware of these opportunities if we want to continue to grow and develop a modern seafood industry in Newfoundland and Labrador."

The conference will be hosted in eight different regions across the province between January and April. Locations are St. John's, Bonavista, Marystown, St. Alban's, Burgeo, Corner Brook, St. Anthony and Makkovik. As well this year, three pilot schools will see the establishment of Youth and the Oceans Chapters for their students.

"To fuel the continued growth and success of Newfoundland and Labrador's ocean technology sector it is imperative to actively engage our youth and introduce them to the vast opportunities that exist in the industry," said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. "They will be tomorrow's leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators and stewards of our oceans. By investing in the programs and tools they need to excel, we are investing in the future of Newfoundland and Labrador."

The Marine Institute welcomed the Provincial Government's support for this very worthwhile conference once again this year. "We are very pleased with the Provincial Government's continued support of MI Ocean Net and the efforts of MI Ocean Net to persist in creating awareness among the young people of this province of issues and opportunities surrounding our oceans," said Glenn Blackwood, Vice-President, Memorial University (Marine Institute). "Our young people are the future of this province, and MI Ocean Net will continue to bridge the gap for our youth with the opportunities our marine sectors have to offer."