NR-HQ-01-19E

Dhaliwal announces $395,000 fisheries, marine and aquatic research through DFO's science grant program

March 13, 2001

OTTAWA -- The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that $395,000 in grants will be awarded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to 75 post-graduate students and post-doctoral fellows studying and doing research in fisheries, marine, and aquatic science.

The grants are the initial component of a broad partnership program being developed with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to strengthen collaboration between DFO and universities.

"By assisting post-graduate students and post-doctoral fellows across Canada, we hope to stimulate further research and training in fisheries, marine, and aquatic science, as well as encourage discussions and innovation. Recipients of the DFO grants are high-calibre Canadian scholars who have demonstrated their research abilities and leadership skills, and I congratulate and commend them," said Minister Dhaliwal. "I would like to acknowledge the important contribution of NSERC, which assisted us in the identification of candidates with outstanding academic qualifications."

"NSERC is pleased to be DFO’s partner in enhancing scholarships for research students in the many fields of ocean sciences. Research in these areas is of major importance to Canada," said NSERC’s President, Tom Brzustowski.

The grants are supplements to existing scholarships and fellowships given by NSERC. The grants will be awarded to scholars in 25 universities across the country, as well as to five Canadian scholars studying in the United States and Europe.

The type of research being undertaken by the grant recipients include: aquaculture; marine protected area design principles and evaluation criteria; behaviour and toxicity of contaminants in marine and fresh waters; new indicators of fish health and ecosystem health; factors affecting the growth and survival of fish such as reproductive capacity, spawning success, and larval survival; and fish habitat.

NSERC is the primary federal agency investing in people, discovery, and innovation. The Council supports both basic research through research grants, and project research through partnerships of universities with industry. NSERC also supports the advanced training of highly qualified people in both areas.