Government of Canada is investing in science capacity and jobs at the St. Andrews Biological Station

ST. ANDREWS, NB, July 19, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to using scientific evidence to inform marine management decisions. Investments in science will help protect our oceans and ensure that our fisheries and aquaculture sectors provide meaningful employment for Canadians for generations to come.

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard today announced that the Government of Canada continues to implement investments of $8.9 million at the St. Andrews Biological Station, Atlantic Canada's oldest marine research facility. The investments continue to focus on upgrades to the laboratories to support ocean science research and improve the building's accessibility, safety and security. 

Minister LeBlanc also announced that 15 new scientists, biologists, hydrographers and other science professionals will be located at the Station. These new employees will support healthy fish stocks and ecosystems, and sustainable aquaculture. They will also do important work to help protect our marine environments and communities from the potential effects of oil spills and day-to-day vessel operations.

Some of these new employees will be hired under the $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan, which will improve marine safety and responsible shipping, and protect Canada's coastal habitats, ecosystems and marine species. Others will be hired under the $197.1 million Budget 2016 investment in ocean and freshwater sciences.

Through the Oceans Protection Plan and Budget 2016 investments, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is hiring 254 science professionals across the country.

Quick facts

• Founded in 1908, the St. Andrews Biological Station conducts scientific studies focussed on the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine, as well as regional coastal ecosystems and traditional fisheries. A large portion of research is done in collaboration with universities, environmental groups, and the aquaculture and fishing industries.
• The infrastructure upgrades are funded under the Federal Infrastructure Fund.

Quotes

"The St. Andrews Biological Station has made significant contributions to marine science since 1908, and our government is pleased to be investing in improved infrastructure and in rebuilding DFO's scientific capacity. Our investment in infrastructure and science staff will ensure that this facility can continue to conduct world-class scientific research for many years to come."

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

"The St. Andrews Biological Station is recognized as a world-class research facility. Further investment in infrastructure and new scientific staff signals our government's strong commitment to both science and economic growth in the region. We are already seeing a marine industry cluster develop around this centre and that will continue to grow with today's announcement."

Karen Ludwig, Member of Parliament, New Brunswick Southwest 

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maritimes Region

Media Relations, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 613-990-7537, [email protected]; Laura Gareau, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 613-992-3474, [email protected]