SHIPPAGAN (CNB) – The provincial government is providing financial support to the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre and to the aquaculture industry.

Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Michael Olscamp and Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud made the announcement today in Shippagan.

“On this Fisheries and Aquaculture Day, I am thankful for the opportunity to underscore how important the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre is to our province,” said Olscamp. “In support of this infrastructure, our government is investing another $1.585 million in 2011.”

This additional funding will ensure that new work can be carried out, such as repairs to the roof of the aquarium, and upgrades to the breakwater surrounding the Shippagan marina. These investments will provide improved facilities to better accommodate visitors from the region and from all over the world.

The Department of Supply and Services will oversee the work on the breakwater.

“A tender has been issued and the work on this important project will begin in September,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams.

Olscamp also announced support for a provincial aquaculture association.

“In addition to being a top tourist destination, the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre, in partnership with the Coastal Zones Research Institute, contains aquaculture research facilities,” said Olscamp. “And because aquaculture is so important to this region of our province, I am pleased to announce today, $50,000 to the Professional Shellfish Growers Association of New Brunswick.”

The funding will allow the organization to hire a consultant and develop a strategy to promote the continued development of the association and the industry.

While at the aquarium, Olscamp and Robichaud also inaugurated new facilities opening as a result of work carried out over the past few months. These previous investments allowed for an updated lobby at the centre and the creation of an educational space called Hydrosphere. The new room will be dedicated to its education program, which is based on the provincial school curriculum.

The New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre opened its doors in 1982. It is open daily until September 24.

More information is available online.

LINK:

●    New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre: www.aquariumnb.ca    


15-07-11