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Hearn announces investment in fisheries research facilities at NAFC
St. John’s –– The Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), today announced a significant investment in fisheries science in Newfoundland and Labrador. Primary research facilities at the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre (NAFC) in St. John’s, NL, will receive an $8.8 million upgrade starting June 2006.
“This investment will better equip DFO to meet future needs in fisheries science and research in the province,” stated the Minister. “The improvements will accommodate specialized research and create opportunities for collaboration and creative partnerships with educational institutions and industry.”
There are four phases to the upgrade, which is anticipated to be completed in two years. The first phase is a $5 million aquarium upgrade, including installation of state-of-the-art holding tanks and refrigeration capabilities. The new facility will enable DFO scientists and collaborators to pursue leading edge fisheries research that is vital to the sustainable management of the province’s fisheries. This phase also includes installation of a high volume tank to facilitate research on the impact of seismic activity on marine organisms.
The second phase replaces existing freezer/environmental rooms with an improved central facility to meet present and future sample storage requirements. The facility will feature more space and environmental controls to house fish, shellfish and marine mammal samples collected in the field by research scientists. The estimated cost of this phase is $1.7 million.
Phase three is a $2.1-million redesign and renovation of the common service area where the handling of controlled substances occurs. This renovation will improve health and safety in that environment by effectively and efficiently removing hazardous fumes.
Preliminary planning is underway on the final phase, which will include construction of a new biological sample holding facility, combined with chemical and hazardous materials storage. The plans for this facility feature environmental controls critical to preserving the integrity of biological samples and materials acquired for fisheries research in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Sustaining the province’s fishing industries for future generations requires informed decisions,” said Minister Hearn. “Modernizing DFO research facilities in St. John’s will expand our capacity to gather that information.
For more information
Tracey Hennessey
Communications Advisor
Department of Fisheries and Oceans
St. John’s
772-7633
Steve Outhouse
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
(613) 992-3474
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