Northern fishing research vessel receives extra funding

Iqaluit, NU – The federal government and the territorial government of Nunavut have announced joint support for a new fisheries research vessel that will be operated by the Government of Nunavut.

The federal government has announced $320,000 federal funding in addition to $1,874,560 already provided for the construction of the vessel. Nunavut’s government has also purchased $263,000 worth of related equipment.

A collaborative effort by both governments, the new research vessel will upgrade Nunavut’s research capabilities with a larger, safer research platform with a complete capability to operate within the full range of the territory’s sea and near coastal waters over an entire Arctic marine season.

Scientific research on the vessel will support sustainable development in the fishery and protection of the marine environment. It is funded through the Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund, an $85-million program to renovate and upgrade research facilities across the North.

The 64-ft-long vessel is currently being built and is expected to be completed by November this year.