Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland

Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced more than $1.5 million for three projects for the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland (MI). 

“The Government of Canada is committed to making strategic investments that stimulate economic growth, create new opportunities and foster broad-based prosperity. This includes partnering with word-class educational and training institutions like the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University to support projects that contribute to the future growth of key ocean-related industries and help build a strong, diversified and sustainable regional economy,” said the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

The Fisheries and Marine Institute is receiving $594,150 from ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) to enhance technology and training that will support the continued growth of the marine, offshore and ocean technology sectors. The project includes improvements to MI’s full mission ship’s bridge simulator; high voltage training development and simulation for marine and offshore operations; and building MI’s ocean mapping capacity with new leading-edge technology. 

Another ICF investment of $476,000 will enable MI to establish a Regional Aquaculture Centre in the Coast of Bays region to better serve the training, research and technology transfer needs of the aquaculture industry, as well as other maritime training requirements in the area. The project will allow MI to enhance its research and training capacity in the region and help address skills development gaps, which are key to ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of the aquaculture industry.  

To help advance its international business activity in the areas of coastal sustainability and climate change and education program management, MI will also receive $446,250 from ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP) for a two-year international business development program. This investment will support the development and delivery of international education programs and consultancy opportunities and will involve undertaking international marketing activities; conducting local training and promotional workshops; working closely with small and medium enterprises; developing new partnerships; and leading business development missions.

“The Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University is a leader in fostering economic development in our province’s ocean and marine sectors and is known world-wide for its innovative technology, top-quality research and development and training capabilities. We are pleased to support these initiatives and help MI to advance its international business programming, strengthen its aquaculture training and research capacity and acquire leading-edge technology – all for the benefit of students, industry partners and the provincial economy,” said Nick Whalen, MP for St. John’s East.

“These announcements today are possible because of our employees who strive to expand our capacity and capabilities to deliver education and research solutions to our industry, and community partners here and around the globe.  ACOA’s investments allow these highly qualified people to take advantage of opportunities with our local aquaculture industry and with other sectors worldwide, especially in the face of challenging economic times,” said Glenn Blackwood, Vice-president, Memorial University (Marine Institute).