The Government of Canada is investing in research expertise and the future of Atlantic salmon with the establishment of a Parks Canada Research Chair dedicated to aquatic restoration at the University of New Brunswick.
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, and Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John-Rothesay, announced the creation of the first-ever Parks Canada Research Chair in Aquatic Restoration during a virtual event on Nov. 5. A historic milestone for Parks Canada and UNB, Dr. Kurt Samways has been selected to hold this position, funded by a $500,000 contribution from the Atlantic salmon recovery project.
“As New Brunswick’s sponsored research leader, our experts contribute their knowledge and creativity to a wealth of challenges facing our world each and every day,” said Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle, president and vice-chancellor of UNB. “We’re proud to host Parks Canada’s first research chair, strengthening our capacity to deliver ground-breaking marine, coastal and freshwater science research and learning opportunities across our institution and particularly on our Saint John campus. Our students, our communities, our national parks and our future will be the beneficiaries of this partnership.”
Housed at UNB in Saint John, the research chair will build on the university’s strong focus and significant expertise in marine, coastal and freshwater science, as well as help undergraduate and graduate students get hands-on experience in conservation biology and species at risk recovery.
