MI bringing expertise, experience and model flume tank to prestigious seafood show

The Fisheries and Marine Institute (MI) of Memorial University will showcase its applied research and educational capabilities to a global audience at the prestigious International Boston Seafood Show (IBSS) March 20 to 22

Monday, March 7, 2011

The Marine Institute is Canada’s largest and most comprehensive post-secondary institution dedicated to the oceans and marine industries. MI provides education, training, applied research and technology transfer in support of its industry partners and students and is committed to providing an environment in which students can reach their full potential in the oceans and marine industries. “At the Marine Institute, we strive to foster economic development in the oceans and marine sector and have worked tirelessly to enable our graduates to participate in, and lead, the marine, food, naval architecture, marine transportation, aquaculture and ocean technology industries,” said Glenn Blackwood, executive director, Marine Institute. “We offer a wide range of Master Degree, Bachelor Degree, Advanced Diploma, Diploma of Technology, Technician Diploma and Technical Certificate programs, as well as a variety of industry-oriented short courses. Our research capabilities are trusted, and put to use, by industry partners around the world.” At the IBSS, MI is sending representatives from its School of Fisheries, Centre for Aquaculture and Seafood Development (CASD), Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Resources (CSAR), Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research (CFER), School of Ocean Technology – Applied Research (SOTAR) and its Office of Research and Development. Marine Institute personnel will be situated in Booth 181.

World’s largest flume tank

A major attraction in the Marine Institute’s booth will be its model flume tank, a replica of the flume tank housed in MI’s Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Resources, the largest floom tank in the world. The model will give visitors at the IBSS an indication of what the flume tank is used for and how effective it can be in conducting research related to the fishing, gear technology and remotely operated vehicle industries. The model will attract much attention to Booth 181 because it will demonstrate model nets produced by the staff at CSAR; providing fishers and gear manufacturers a chance to see how this equipment works. “With its sophisticated video recording, computer software, special features and sensor equipment, the flume tank is CSAR’s primary testing facility and provides the basis for consulting and technical services to the marine sector,” said Dr. Paul Winger, director, Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Resources. “It is used to conduct ground-breaking research for our national and international clients in fisheries, fisheries engineering, fishing technology, fishing gear, fish behavior, remotely operated vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles,  geophysical equipment manufacturing, Naval architecture, ship building and mechanical engineering."

School of Fisheries

The Marine Institute’s School of Fisheries focuses on the use, sustainability and management of aquatic resources and the marine environment, primarily aquaculture, harvesting, food technology and food safety. It includes the Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Resources, the Centre for Aquaculture and Seafood Development and the new Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research.

CSAR

The Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Resources, as part of MI’s School of Fisheries, conducts industrial research and development, technology transfer and information support for the fishing industry.  The centre recently undertook a project to develop and commercialize innovative fishing systems capable of catching commercial quantities of finfish and shellfish, but with reduced seabed contact compared to traditional systems. CSAR has a highly trained staff of researchers, scientists and graduate students with a great deal of expertise in several disciplines.

CASD

MI’s Centre for Aquaculture and Seafood Development is a wide-ranging industrial response unit that offers a complete range of services for the seafood and food processing and aquaculture industries in the areas of applied research, product and process development, equipment design, prototype development, pilot scale processing, technology transfer, advisory services, education and training. It is internationally recognized for its applied scientific and technical expertise, comprehensive research facilities and commitment to clients in the seafood processing and aquaculture industries.

CFER

The Centre for Fisheries Ecosystem Research opened its doors in July, 2010 and is positioned to play a vital role in the future of fisheries in Newfoundland and Labrador. Applied research led by the Marine Institute’s newest centre is expected to result in a better understanding of fish stocks and the health of Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine ecosystem. In February of this year, the centre’s scientific director, Dr. George Rose, began overwintering cod surveys in the Labrador Sea with the help of the MV Celtic Explorer, a research vessel chartered by MI from the Marine Institute of Ireland.

SOTAR

MI’s School of Ocean Technology – Applied Research unit undertakes applied research and development in four key areas: ocean mapping, ocean observing systems, ocean instrumentation and underwater intervention. The centre responds to the evolving technology needs of key ocean industries such as fisheries, shipping and offshore oil and gas while working collaboratively with industry clients in Canada and around the world.

Office of Research and Development

The Marine Institute’s Office of Research and Development is responsible for planning, organizing and promoting the growth of research and development activities at MI. The Office of Research and Development acts a liaison between specialized centres of the Marine Institute and with Memorial University researchers, as well as with industry and government clients. It also engages MI students in research, identifies research opportunities in the marine sectors and accesses major sources of research funding.