News release

Province Announces Support for Oceans Technology

Premier's Office
Economic and Rural Development and Tourism (Jan. 2011 - April 2015)

The province is investing in the growth of ocean technology.

Premier Darrell Dexter announced today, June 2, the province will contribute $1.75 million over the next five years to the development of a new Halifax Marine Research Institute. The announcement was made at the beginning of World Oceans Month.

The institute will help Nova Scotia be further recognized as an international leader in marine research within Canada, and around the world. With this investment, the institute can provide training for people, apply research to new public policy, and increase the scale, quality, and impact of marine research.

"Nova Scotia has more people with PhDs, more research and more technology companies focused on the ocean than any other area in North America," said Premier Dexter. "This institute will build on that strength, making connections between laboratories and boardrooms that will lead to more business development, more good jobs and a stronger economy."

Led by Dalhousie University, the institute will link Nova Scotia's academic and public sector marine-related research organizations with ocean-technology businesses to create long-term economic benefits in the province. It will be set up as a not-for-profit society, operating under the direction of an advisory committee toward the six themes of marine observation, conservation, security, energy, renewable fuels and management.

The funding comes on the heels of a new report, Defined by the Sea: Nova Scotia's Marine Technology Sector Present and Future, which provides new insight into the oceans technology industry in Nova Scotia, and its tremendous potential for growth. The report serves as a valuable tool for businesses looking to expand or enter into oceans technology, because it sheds light on areas of expected growth within the industry.

"Our priority is creating jobs and boosting the economy," said John MacDonell, acting Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism. "To do that, we need to focus our efforts in high-growth areas, and oceans technology is one with great potential."

The report indicates that Nova Scotia has the highest concentration of ocean technology companies in Nova America, with more than 200 companies. In addition, the report finds that the province is home to about 450 people with PhDs in oceans-related disciplines, the highest concentration in the world.

The report can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/econ/sectors/oceans/ .