Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland

The fisheries industries in Newfoundland and Labrador and Québec will benefit from a collaborative research and development agreement signed today by the Fisheries and Marine Institute and Merinov at the 2013 World Seafood Congress in St. John’s, NL.

Glenn  Blackwood, vice-president, Memorial University (Marine Institute) met with Patrice Element, General Manager, Merinov to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide opportunities for the two institutions to identify and share in fisheries research relevant to the Canadian fishing industry.

“We recognized that partnering our fisheries and technical personnel and testing facilities at our Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Resources with Merinov’s technological know-how would be a win-win situation for both of our centres but, more importantly, for our industry clients and partners,” said Glenn Blackwood.  “Together we will strengthen our innovative approaches to addressing the challenges in our respective fishing industries.”

“The shared commitment of our two institutions to build long-term cooperation will be profitable to our fishing industry, which will be able to reap the benefits of the latest research methods and cutting edge expertise in the field of fishing gear optimization,” said Patrice Element.

The MOU encourages fishing gear specialists from both parties to collaborate on experimental fishing gear design, consult on technical issues and create opportunities for technology transfer between regions.

The MOU also allows for Merinov researchers and its industry partners to access the flume tank at the Marine Institute to conduct fishing gear research. The largest of its kind in the world, the Marine Institute’s flume tank is used to carry out performance evaluations and testing on newly developed or existing fishing gear and other related equipment in simulated underwater and near surface conditions.

Merinov is a not-for-profit organization composed of some one hundred employees posted at four centres located on the Gaspé Peninsula, the Magdalen Islands and the North Shore of Québec. Through its services and activities in fisheries research and development, technology transfer, technical assistance and monitoring – Merinov contributes to the sustainable development and competitiveness of Québec's aquatic biomass fisheries, aquaculture and valorisation industry.

The Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Resources addresses the specific needs of harvesters and fishing gear manufacturers, by undertaking industrial research and development, technology transfer and information support on a general basis as well as on a contract or joint venture basis.