April 27, 2006 Source: :
http://www.stfx.ca/media/04_2006.htm#edwindemont StFX Biology Professor leads offshore energy research project ANTIGONISH, NS --- A St. Francis Xavier University biology professor is at the forefront of a $6.4 million investment by the Province of Nova Scotia into offshore energy needs. Dr. Edwin DeMont will lead a new non-profit organization that will receive $2.6 million dollars in funding. Dr. DeMont, president of Offshore Energy and Environmental Research (OEER), along with colleagues will aim to increase scientific facts and knowledge that assist regulators in making decisions and recommendations regarding interaction between offshore energy activities (including renewable energy) and the marine environment. "These are exciting times and I'm to thrilled accept this contribution on behalf of this non-profit organization," said Dr. DeMont. "My colleagues and I look forward to studying the impacts of seismic sound on invertebrates, fish behaviour and alternatives to seismic air source arrays as well as research and pilot projects for tidal current technology," The announcement was made by the Honourable Bill Dooks, Minister of Energy today at Province House. The provincial government is investing $6.4 million in Research and Development, new online delivery models and laboratory equipment to secure better access to scientific information and ultimately generate more wealth and energy from offshore Nova Scotia. Two new non-profit research associations have been established: OETR (Offshore Energy Technical Research) will encourage research into Nova Scotia's offshore petroleum geology; OEER (Offshore Energy and Environmental Research) will sponsor studies of a variety of environmental matters including the effects of energy exploration on the marine environment. Each association received $2.6 million in initial funding from the Province, for a total of $5.2 million. Assisting with the promotion of its offshore is a $1 million grant to the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board, which was announced on April 25. As OEER president, Dr. DeMont will work with colleagues at Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia Department of Energy and other Nova Scotia universities. "Research in the oil and gas industry is already underway at StFX. This partnership with the province will not only bring new research opportunities for our faculty and students but also strengthen ties between the university, industry partners and government," added Andrew Kendall, StFX Industry Liaison Officer.
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