ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The provincial government announced Friday it is providing $550,000 for the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) to develop an awareness project.
The project is called, “Driving Awareness and Interest: An Educational Introduction to the Newfoundland and Labrador Aquaculture Industry.”
Premier Dwight Ball announced funding during the NAIA Cold Harvest gala reception Thursday night in St. John’s.
“New developments in aquaculture are significant for Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy, and our sustainable aquaculture industry has the potential to create even more private-sector jobs and economic growth throughout the province,” Ball stated. “Supporting the increased development of this industry will enable more Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to build their future right here at home.”
A news release notes the project comes under the Labour Market Partnerships (LMP) program, funded under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement. It will include three primary tools to support sustainable aquaculture growth: Aquaculture 101: an online course aimed at encouraging adults as well as students and youth to join the aquaculture industry through a greater understanding of its potential; a virtual-reality video providing an immersive introduction to aquaculture, which will be promoted in the province’s schools and targeted toward youths, parents and job seekers; and a website promoting the course and video that focuses on current and future employment opportunities in the province’s aquaculture industry.
Work on the virtual-reality video will be carried out by Learning Labs.
Through the project, NAIA is planning to develop “a virtual-reality-based, immersive experience for youth in both primary and secondary school.” The project will involve the creation of virtual-reality simulations that highlight the existing opportunities in the industry, and the cutting-edge methods of modern-day aquaculture in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“In addition to providing healthy and sustainable seafood to the world's growing population, farming our oceans with care provides year-round jobs to hard-working Newfoundlanders and
Labradorians,” NAIA executive director Mark Lane stated. “With modern educational tools such as virtual reality and online learning resources, we are investing in the workforce of the future and the rural coastal communities they call home.”
