Minister Shea Announces Second Round of Funding for Contaminants Research Projects

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 16, 2015) - The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced a second round of funding for contaminants research projects. Fisheries and Oceans Canada's National Contaminants Advisory Group posted a Call for Proposals seeking projects by Canadian researchers on the biological effects of contaminants on fish and other aquatic species.

This announcement follows last year's call for proposals which saw a total of $2.45 million over three years in funding to universities for 12 research projects. These three-year projects, launched in autumn 2014, cover a wide variety of priorities. For example, researchers at the Université du Québec à Rimouski are studying the effects of a potential oil spill on blue mussels in winter conditions and researchers at the University of Saskatchewan are studying the effects of pharmaceuticals, flame retardants, and other contaminants of emerging concern on fish of commercial, Aboriginal and recreational value to Canadians. The funding has supported researchers in purchasing lab equipment and supplies, conducting experiments and presenting initial results at scientific conferences.

Quick Facts

• The proposal submission deadline is July 8, 2015 for contaminants projects in four priority areas: aquaculture-related substances, pesticides, oil and gas-related contaminants, and contaminants of emerging concern.
  
  
• The National Contaminants Advisory Group was established in January 2013 to provide science advice to the Department on priority contaminant issues.
  
  

Quotes

"Scientific information is critical for fishery development and conservation of our resources and their environment. Science is the foundation of everything we do and these projects will be invaluable in informing Canada's decision making. This funding is just one example of the Government of Canada's ongoing commitment to contaminants research."

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

Associated Links

- National Contaminants Advisory Group Call for Proposals 2015-16

- Current Research Projects Funded by the National Contaminants Advisory Group

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

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