120 Aquaculture Researchers Funded

St. John’s, NF, April 18, 2001 - The AquaNet Board of Directors approved funding for 120 aquaculture scientists working on 39 innovative research projects last week. The approval of the research funds follows a comprehensive call for proposals in the fall of 2000.

“The 39 projects from the three themes, Animal Production, Environmental Integrity and Socio-economic Aspects, represent excellence in the natural and social sciences, and establishes AquaNet as a world leader in aquaculture research”, said Dr. William Driedzic, Scientific Director of AquaNet and Director of the Ocean Sciences Centre at Memorial University of
Newfoundland. “The project proposals underwent independent peer review with the vast majority of the scientific reviewers from outside of Canada. The remarks from the international scientists were very strong and highly recommended the proposals for funding.”

In 2000-01, AquaNet research involved 24 industry partners, 9 government and other agencies, and 73 researchers from 16 universities. During 2001-03, AquaNet will involve 61 industry partners, 15 government and other agencies, and 120 researchers from 20 universities / colleges. By the end of 2003, AquaNet will have contributed $10.6 million into new innovative aquaculture research in Canada. AquaNet was initially funded from 1999 to 2003 and will
undergo a mid-term review in 2002 for additional funding to 2006.

AquaNet is Canada’s federal Network of Centres of Excellence (NCE) in aquaculture. NCEs are unique partnerships among industry, universities, and government. They are designed to develop the economy and improve the quality of life for Canadians. These nation-wide networks connect excellent research with industrial know-how and practical investment. There are 21
other NCEs in fields such as forestry, robotics, tele-learning, arthritis and AIDS.

AquaNet’s mission is to position the Canadian aquaculture industry for the future by increasing the efficiency of aquaculture production through species diversification, biotechnology, environmental sustainability and training of highly qualified personnel, while simultaneously addressing the legal, political and social issues which historically have affected the industry.

For further information on AquaNet, access the AquaNet Web site.

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