The Government of Canada announced earlier in 2019 that it is investing $2.4 million in scientific research at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre, to boost knowledge on oil spill response as part of its efforts to keep its oceans clean, safe and healthy.
Canada’s Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard,Jonathan Wilkinson, along with the Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest, Karen Ludwig, announced on 1st May the investment which is expected to support approximately 25 jobs.
With this investment, the Centre will study how spill response measures, such as the use of dispersant chemicals, affect fish and other aquatic species of interest.
To this end, the Centre will receive approximately $2,439,983 over four years for scientific research on oil spill response measures.
The goal of the project is to ensure the use of effective response measures, without harming ocean life in the event of a spill. This project will add to the growing body of scientific knowledge about Canada’s spill response, and will ensure that first responders have the best available information while making decisions.
Funding for this project is from the Multi-Partner Research Initiative, which supports a variety of research projects on alternative response measures for oil spills.
It is aimed at building partnerships among the leading researchers across Canada and around the world.
Having the best available science is the key to respond effectively to marine incidents, including oil spills. Gaining a better understanding of the effects on our aquatic species will help us make the right decisions when it comes to clean-up measures and keep our oceans and our coasts clean, healthy and safe,
…stated Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.
The move is part of Canada’s $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan, the largest investment ever made by the Government of Canada to ensure safer and cleaner coasts for the future.
