The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced that the Department’s National Contaminants Advisory Group will be posting a Call for Proposals on the Departmental website today.

The objective of the Call for Proposals is to support academic research that will enhance the Department’s scientific knowledge on the biological effects of contaminants relevant to DFO’s programs and priorities, and therefore research proposals must directly address their effect on fish and other aquatic species. The proposal submission deadline is June 3rd, 2014.

Later this fiscal year, depending on the results of the current process and other emerging priorities, DFO will work on establishing other partnerships related to contaminant research.

Quick Facts

• The National Contaminants Advisory Group was established in January 2013 to provide science advice to the Department on priority contaminant issues.
• The National Contaminants Advisory Group will consider research proposals of biological effects directly relating to one of four research themes: aquaculture-related substances, pesticides, oil and gas-related contaminants, and emerging contaminants.
• Eligible recipients include recognized Canadian post-secondary institutions; and individuals who are leading scientific research programs at a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution.

Quotes

“Scientific information is absolutely critical for fishery development and conservation of our resources. Science at Fisheries and Oceans Canada is increasingly collaborative with other producers of science including academia, other government agencies, national and international science organizations and marine industries,” said the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.