Swift reaction today to word the provincial government is putting a “pause” on seismic work in the province’s offshore.

The Newfoundland Offshore Industries Association says it was disappointed to learn that the province is not allocating funding this year for the offshore seismic program, which has been ongoing for more than a decade.

Noia CEO Charlene Johnson is asking government to reconsider the decision and plan for an offshore seismic program for 2023.

According to Noia, more than 125 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and another 45 Canadians were employed through the seismic program in 2020, resulting in millions in dollars in wages.

The program also resulted in internships for four Memorial University students that same year.