October 17, 2005 Source: University College of Cape Breton:
http://www.capebretonu.ca/capebretonu_main/newsrel/NewsDetail.asp?NewsID=111 World-class marine science research, interactive World-class marine science research, interactive facility one step closer to reality
CBU and Central Cape Breton Community Ventures Inc. Sign MOA (Sydney, NS) – Cape Breton University has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to strengthen its programs, research and academic capabilities in marine science. In cooperation with Central Cape Breton Community Ventures Inc. (CCBCV), CBU will take a series of planned steps to build on the scientific and environmental potential of the Bras d’Or Lakes and the Island’s coastal resources. Among other things, the MOA will see CBU and CCBCV collaborate in the development of marine research and science centre on the Bras d’Or Lakes at Iona. The facility would be known as the `Aros Na Mara Marine Science Centre (`Aros Na Mara is Gaelic for "House of Sea"). Under consideration is an inter-connected multi-faceted facility designed and configured to be able to attract thousands of visitors yearly, visiting scientists and scholars, students and the curious. In the planning stage, the project would be part of an integrated community economic development initiative with the potential to stimulate new enterprise as well as complement world-class attractions such as the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, Fortress of Louisbourg, Highland Village and the Cabot Trail. The facility will help advance understanding, learning, scientific knowledge, tertiary education and research, and protection of the ecosystem of the area. Enhanced public awareness of the Bras d’Or Lakes ecosystem in Canada and the world and employment through economic and social development are additional benefits of the project. "Ecosystem-based management is predicated on sound science in the contexts of both natural and human communities and their environment. For the Bras d’Or, this means research in partnership with a diverse and dispersed range of communities," said Dr. Bruce Hatcher, Chair in Marine Ecosystem Research and Director of the Bras d’Or Institute at CBU. "`Aros na Mara, strategically located at the nexus of the estuary and embedded in the Central Cape Breton community, will do far more than provide Cape Breton University a state-of-the-art marine research facility: it will provide Cape Breton with an interactive, interpretive window on the ecosystem." In collaboration with CBU, faculty, students and visiting scientists will conduct world-class scientific research using the unique waters of the lakes as a living laboratory. At the same time, in collaboration with the community, the facility will add a vital addition to the hospitality and business infrastructure through funded research projects and year-round spending of visiting scientists and full-time students. During the summer months, the facility will provide a dynamic and attractive addition to the tourism sector of Cape Breton Island.
…/2 "Partnerships with institutions of higher learning like Cape Breton University, and fashioning collaborative relationships with industry together with the public and private sectors will provide the solid platform required to build and achieve the sustainable realization of the `Aros Na Mara concept," said Vince MacLean, Project Chair for `Aros Na Mara. "The signing of this Memorandum of Agreement today is an important step towards that realization." "Central Cape Breton Community Ventures Inc. has worked collaboratively for many years with the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources and others in advancing the concept of a marine science centre for the Bras d’Or Lakes," said Bruce MacNeil, Chair, CCBCV. "This signing is an important step in the journey to move this project forward. We envision the Iona Port Wharf as being a crucial piece of the infrastructure required." This shared vision of both partners will require additional planning, time and resources. One part of the proposed centre would include exhibitions and aquarium designs to inspire and create respect for life in the ocean. Young people will see science in action and learn about the geology, biology and physics of the Bras d’Or Lakes. "Cape Breton University is proud of its commitment to ecosystem research and development, fostered through the Bras d’Or Institute for Ecosystem Research," said CBU President John Harker. "Through this partnership with `Aros na Mara, we have the opportunity to share our research with the world." With the MOA in place, the path is open to institutional collaboration and mutual allocations of resources for the planning, design, market research and fund-raising required to move from a vision to a reality. About Central Cape Breton Community Venture Inc.
Central Cape Breton Community Venture Inc. is a not-for-profit community economic development group that owns and operates the Iona Port and promotes health and wellness programs in Central Cape Breton. Working in conjunction with a board of advisors -- headed by John Farrell – the group’s current focus is the advancement of the `Aros na Mara project. About the Bras d’Or Institute for Ecosystem Research:
The Bras d’Or Institute for Ecosystem Research was re-established at Cape Breton University in 2005. The Institute is named after the Bras d’Or Lake, a deep inland sea within Cape Breton Island. It is connected to the Atlantic Ocean through the Big Bras d’Or channel in the north and St. Peters Canal in the south. It supports a rich diversity of life, both on the coastal shores and within its salty waters. The Bras d’Or Institute initially began back in the early 1970s, with a mandate of research, development and inquiry relevant to Cape Breton -30- For more information:
Kelly Rose
Communications Officer
Cape Breton University
Tel: (902) 563-1638
E-mail: kelly_rose@capebretonu.ca
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