"These research projects will boost the global competitiveness, productivity and environmental performance of this important Canadian industry," said Minister Shea. "Research and development creates jobs, strengthens the economy and improves the quality of life of Canadians. That's why Canada's Economic Action Plan includes a $5.1-billion dollar investment in science and technology initiatives."
The $8.8 million funding announced today is part of a new five-year initiative, led by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), to support industry-driven research and development (R&D) in fisheries and aquaculture.
This funding, spread over three years, will support 23 strategic research projects in fisheries and aquaculture at universities across Canada. For example, researchers at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby will study how the seafloor reacts to disturbances caused by fishing gear. Funding supplied to the Memorial University of Newfoundland will support research into early detection and better understanding of invasive aquatic species.
These projects will train students in a wide variety of disciplines related to fisheries and aquaculture.
"In addition to generating new knowledge and technologies for our fisheries and aquaculture sector, this initiative will help train the students who will drive innovation for years to come," said Dr. Suzanne Fortier, President of NSERC. "We are ensuring a bright future for this vital, historical industry."
In the previous three budgets, the Government of Canada provided over $2 billion in new funding for S&T. In Canada's Economic Action Plan, we are investing more than $5.1 billion in new funding toward S&T initiatives. This represents one of the single-largest federal investments in S&T to date. Together these measures will contribute to the creation of a stronger, more innovative economy and a more prosperous Canada.
NSERC is a federal agency whose vision is to help make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for the benefit of all Canadians. The agency supports some 26,500 university students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies.
Further Reading
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- | View our recent report, Window of Opportunity Opens for Canadian Aquaculture, by clicking here. |
