The Marine Institute is a unique centre of advanced marine technology dedicated to applied research and technology transfer in support of the marine industries. These functions are facilitated through activity centres or units, each of which is specifically targeted at an industry sector, and operates in close co-operation with its clients. Below is a brief description of these units.

School of Fisheries

The Marine Institute’s School of Fisheries provides applied research to meet the needs of the harvesting, processing, and aquaculture sectors of the seafood industry, and the food industry in general. The school and its associated units also provide research in support of coastal zone management and environmental aspects of ocean resources.

Centre for Aquaculture and Seafood Development (C-ASD)
The C-ASD has built a high level of applied scientific and technical expertise to enhance the competitiveness of the aquaculture and seafood processing sector. C-ASD services a full range of industrial clients, from owner/operator start-up companies, to large, national corporations in the areas of applied research, product and process development, technology transfer and advisory services, and support for education and training.

An ultra modern aquaculture research facility, comprised of five independent recirculating systems and a flow-through fresh water quarantine unit is managed and operated by the C-ASD. The C-ASD also manages and operates two pilot plants. The Marine Institute Plant is both provincially and federally registered, and has approved QMPR and FSEP programs in place. The Mount Scio Pilot Plant facility is not registered for commercial food production but is primarily used for early stage research and development of both food and non-food products and processes.

Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Resources (C-SAR)
C-SAR addresses the specific needs of fishers and fishing gear manufacturers by undertaking industrial research and development and technology transfer in support of selectivity and conservation. In addition, C-SAR has been involved with ocean engineering studies, specifically direction stability of surface ships, component performance for the seismic industry, vortex induced vibration, and basic research into flow properties.

The Centre has a core staff in the disciplines of fisheries engineering, fish behavior, fishing technology, fishing gear, and mechanical engineering. The primary testing facility for C-SAR is the world’s largest flume tank. With its sophisticated video recording, computer software, sensor equipment, and special features, this advanced facility provides the basis for consulting and technical services to the entire marine industry.

School of Maritime Studies

The Marine Institute’s School of Maritime Studies and its associated units deliver applied research for the marine transportation industry.

Centre for Marine Simulation (CMS)
The advanced simulation capability available at CMS provides researchers with a valuable tool to conduct controlled studies in a ship board environment that are impossible or expensive to conduct with sea trials. Research topics that are especially suited for marine simulation include: human factors studies, ship systems design, simulator design, and curriculum design.

The facilities of the Centre are used for research into marine safety, behavioral research, port development studies, vessel management techniques, testing of operators, crew familiarization, the development and testing of operational procedures, and equipment testing.

Offshore Safety and Survival Centre (OSSC)
The OSSC is actively involved in efforts to expand the knowledge base and improve technology associated with offshore safety and survival and emergency response. Facilities include a simulated ship structure, a fire field, a survival tank for instruction in emergency rescue from ships, oil rigs, and helicopters, and lifeboat/rescue capsules, fast rescue crafts, and a sea going vessel. Funding has recently been obtained to establish a research unit at the OSSC for petroleum initiatives at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Training and Research Vessels

The Marine Institute operates two sea-going vessels: the M.V. Louis M. Lauzier and the M.V. Mares. Both vessels are involved in research work including, but not limited to: studies and practical work concerning impacts, location, and retrieval of lost gillnets; research into the behavior and catch ability of snow crab in response to different types of pots and baits; assessment and testing of new environmentally friendly gear and equipment; assessment of impacts of various gear on the environment, i.e. impact of dragging for shrimp on benthic invertebrates such as snow crab; plankton studies; water quality studies; seabed mapping work; data transmission studies; and underwater acoustic studies. The vessels are also used for training and public education initiatives.

Affiliated units/Organizations

Fisheries Conservation Chair
The Fisheries Conservation Chair is a research group created to develop an independent fisheries research program to complement and scrutinize government programs and provide an integrative focus for fisheries research at Memorial University. The Chair is funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Provincial Fisheries Department, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and Fishery Products International.

The Fisheries Conservation research program focuses on several aspects of fisheries science and management: the collapse and rebuilding of groundfish stocks in Atlantic Canada, sea-going research, the use of high-technology to measure the ocean and its fish (acoustics, electronic sensors, tagging), a comparative ecosystem approach to fisheries management, and working with fishermen and industry. Visit us @ http://fishcons.mi.mun.ca.

Canadian Centre for Marine Communications (CCMC)
The CCMC collaborates with the Canadian marine information technology (IT) industry in the development of products and services that capitalize on the latest advancements in marine communications, navigation, and information technology. The CCMC facilitates strategic partnerships between industry, research centres, academia, and government in support of the growth of the Canadian marine IT sector. Canadian companies and organizations direct CCMC and support it through membership.

Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation (CCFI)
CCFI is a non-profit organization owned by Memorial University of Newfoundland and funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The Centre provides the tools of scientific research and technology to the fishing industry. Using the resources of Memorial University, the Centre offers expert assistance in aquaculture, harvesting, and processing, with the aim of increasing and enhancing clients' productivity and profitability. CCFI's activities also include resource conservation research, equipment development, and marine biotechnology.

IRAP Office of Industrial Assistance (OIA)
The Marine Institute’s OIA helps small and medium-sized Canadian firms build their capability in technology and innovation. The OIA works with industrial clients in the areas of applied research, product and process development, and technology transfer and advisory services to enhance the competitiveness of the fisheries and marine sector. IRAP offers direct technical assistance, access to the latest technological advances, expertise, facilities, and resources, as well as cost-shared financing of innovative technical projects.

[TOP]

• Dr. Duane Barker
• Cyr Couturier
• Scott Grant (Ph.D.)
• A. Collins Onodenalore (Ph.D.)
• Dr. Jyoti Patel
• Dr. George Rose
• Robert Rutherford (P.Eng MIMarest, CIMarE)
• Alistair Struthers
• Robert Trenholm
• Glen Fiander

[TOP]

• Evolution of Training for the Maritime Oil and Gas Sector on the Canadian East Coast - Anthony Patterson
• Simulation and Modeling: A Tool for Public Policy Research - Anthony Patterson, Leslie G. O'Reilly
• Simulation and Modeling in Innovation - Anthony Patterson
• Journal of Fish Diseases - Duane E. Barker
• Diseases of Aquatic Organisms - Duane E. Barker, Ann-Margaret MacKinnon, Linda Boston, Michael D. B. Burt, David K. Cone, David J. Speare, Steve Griffiths, Marcia Cook, Rachael Ritchie, Gilles Olivier
• Reports and Publications - Scott Grant
• Review of Ice Navigation Simulator
• Security Training for the Marine Industry