Fishery and Seismic Surveys Workshop

People interested in learning more about the fishery and the petroleum industry are invited to a workshop on Tuesday, April 25, at the Mabou Renewal Centre, Mabou, and on Wednesday, April 26, at St. Ann's Gaelic College, St. Ann's. The workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The workshop leaders are experts in fisheries and fish research, and underwater sound and seismic technology. They are:

• Norvall Collins, an experienced environmental planner and marine biologist specializing in environmental planning and impact and risk assessment

• Dr. Trevor Kenchington is an authority in interdisciplinary fisheries science

• Brian Isbister belongs to the Shetland's Fishermen's Association and is deputy chief executive of the Shetland Fish Producers Organization, as well as the liaison between the association and the North Sea oil industry

• Dr. Andrew Turnpenny is managing director of FAWLEY Aquatic Research Laboratories in the United Kingdom and has extensive experience in assessing environmental impacts on fisheries, particularly impacts of sound and seismic survey operations

"Seismic surveys are planned off western Cape Breton, also known as Parcel 1, and the Hunt Oil exploration leases off eastern Cape Breton," said Francis Gillies, development officer with the Strait-Highlands Regional Development Agency. "This workshop should help people understand what these surveys are and what the environmental impact may be."

The workshops are sponsored by various federal, provincial and regional departments and agencies, as well as Nova Scotia universities and colleges.

For more information and to register please call 902-625-3929 or fax 902-625-1559.