2014-2015

News Release

REF NO.: 160

SUBJECT: Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance to launch first trans-Atlantic mapping survey

DATE: May 29, 2015

A multinational team of ocean-mapping experts will gather at the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University on Monday, June 1, to officially launch the first trans-Atlantic mapping survey under the Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance.

The event will take place at 11 a.m. in Hampton Hall with remarks from Glenn Blackwood, vice-president, Memorial University (Marine Institute); Darin King, minister, Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development; and Dr. Peter Heffernan, chief executive officer, Marine Institute (Ireland).

This survey is one of the first projects to be launched by the alliance, formed in May 2013 following the Galway Statement on Atlantic Ocean Co-operation.

Using multi-beam echosounders, scientists will gather information on the physical characteristics of the seafloor between St. John’s and Galway, Ireland, aboard the RV Celtic Explorer which will benefit shipping safety, development-related seabed engineering and sustainable fisheries.

Media are welcome to attend.

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