MUN’s Ocean Sciences department raised almost $5-million last year in funding for research and development.

That’s almost a million more than its annual average, with every cent aimed at helping the oceans adapt to climate change.

Environment Minister Bernard Davis and Fisheries Minister Derrick Bragg heard that and more during a tour of the Ocean Sciences Centre in Log Bay.

Professor Pat Gagnon, the deputy head of research and graduate studies, welcomes the success with funding, despite the pandemic.

He notes the need and requirement for governments and businesses to adapt never went away, adding new research must be tied to the oceans, and saving them.

Gagnon says they welcome working with industries, such as aqauculture, in answering questions that can help their business. But, he says the link to better overall understanding of the oceans, and adapting to climate change, must also be there.