Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland

Students and mentors across twenty-three junior high and high school teams from Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Ontario competed in the 2024 NL Regional Marine Advanced Technology (MATE) Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Competition at Memorial University’s Marine Institute this weekend.

Teams designed and constructed an ROV to pilot in MI’s flume tank to complete a series of underwater tasks focused on ocean observation for protecting and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity and unlocking ocean-based solutions to climate change.

Teams competing in the Ranger class (high school) also vied for the opportunity to participate in the 2024 MATE International ROV Competition in Tennessee from June 20-22.

Ranger competition

Clarenville High claimed first place overall, Labrador Straits Academy placed second, and Holy Heart came third during Saturday’s competition. The top two teams qualify to participate in the Ranger class at the international competition in Tennessee from June 20-22.

Memorial University’s Eastern Edge Robotics team is preparing to qualify for the international competition in the Explorer class.

Fourteen teams competed in the Ranger class: Labrador Straits Academy, Gonzaga High School, Roncalli Central High, Holy Heart of Mary High School, Mount Pearl Senior High School, Gander Collegiate, Clarenville High School, Tricentia Academy, Heritage Collegiate, Corner Brook Regional High School, O’Donel High School, Valmont Academy, Trafalgar Castle School and Sacred Heart School of Halifax.

Scout competition

In the Scout division (junior high), Heritage Collegiate of Lethbridge placed first overall. St. Marks of King’s Cove finished in second place and MacDonald Drive Junior High of St. John’s placed third.

Nine teams competed in the Scout class: Centreville Academy, Roncalli Central High, St. Mark’s School, Random Island Academy, St. Kevin’s Junior High, Macdonald Drive Junior High, Heritage Collegiate, Mobile Central High, and Froude Avenue Community Centre.

Awards

The Rising Tide Award, which recognizes a new team with great potential was presented to Sacred Heart School of Halifax, NS.

Liam Edison of Mount Pearl Senior High was awarded the Presentation Anchor for his skills demonstrated during the team presentation.

The Female Trailblazer award was presented to Kate Aiken of Trafalgar Castle from Whitby, ON. The award recognizes women in STEM for their leadership and skill.

Allison Hutchings of Holy Heart of Mary received the Steve Brown Leadership Award. The award recognizes a student who brings out the best in their teammates through their passion and dedication.

Holy Heart of Mary and Gander Collegiate tied for first place in the marketing display category and Labrador Straits Academy placed third.

For their engineering presentation, Holy Heart of Mary placed first, Trafalgar Castle came second and Gonzaga High School placed third.

In the product demonstration category, Clarenville High claimed first place, Labrador Straits placed second and Heritage Collegiate finished third.

The 2024 regional competition is supported by Equinor, Hibernia Management and Development Company Limited, GRI Simulation, Avalon Controls, Cooke Aquaculture, Mackay Marine Canada, SubC Imaging, SEAMOR Marine, eSonar, Cahill, TCarta, Marine Technology Society, Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency and the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University.