69传媒researcher to study human impact on Barbara Weit estuary in New Annan
Dr. Mike van den Heuvel, Director of the Canadian Rivers Institute and a professor at the 69传媒, has been awarded an from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to study the health of the Barbara Weit estuary in New Annan. Dr. van den Heuvel is partnering with Cavendish Farms on the study, which should be completed by spring 2019.
Prince Edward Island鈥檚 many estuaries are home to shellfish aquaculture as well as shellfish and eel fishing. These are both important from an ecological and economic perspective. The Barbara Weit estuary in Malpeque Bay receives nutrient inputs from agriculture, sewage effluent from the community of Kensington, and treated wastewater from potato production at the Cavendish Farms plants in New Annan.
鈥淭he purpose of this work is to establish the amount of nutrients that are derived from the various sources and determine the health of the estuary,鈥� said Dr. van den Heuvel.
鈥淧rotecting the environment is one of our core values,鈥� said John MacQuarrie, Director of Environmental Sustainability at Cavendish Farms. 鈥淯nderstanding the impact on the estuary from all sources is a critical step in ensuring the long-term sustainability of this important water system.鈥�
The information generated will guide the decisions that will lead to further improvements of the estuary鈥檚 health.
鈥淐avendish Farms is proud to collaborate with Dr. van den Heuvel and 69传媒in this important research,鈥� said MacQuarrie. 鈥淲e are committed to ensuring the quality of the treated wastewater from our potato production facilities continues to exceed environmental standards,鈥� MacQuarrie said.
鈥淭he road to increased environmental and economic sustainability for PEI is dependent on all stakeholders working together,鈥� said Dr. van den Heuvel. 鈥淔or this reason, we are very excited to develop this partnership with Cavendish Farms.鈥�
鈥淒r. van den Heuvel is an internationally recognized and highly published expert regarding the environmental impacts of human activities on the health of the aquatic environment,鈥� said Dr. Robert Gilmour, vice-president academic and research at UPEI. 鈥淭his project continues his invaluable research into how what we do on land affects the life in the water around us.鈥�
grants are awarded to university researchers to establish first-time research partnerships with industry. These grants are intended to foster the development of new research partnerships by supporting short-term research and development projects aimed at addressing a company-specific problem.
The 69传媒 prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions鈥擯rince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University鈥�69传媒has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. 69传媒is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.
