Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia fund projects to boost innovation in the fish and seafood sector

LUNENBURG, NS, Oct. 22, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada is home to the longest coastline in the entire world – and this resource creates jobs and sustains livelihoods across our country. In the province of Nova Scotia, one in every five jobs is linked to the ocean. Healthy oceans mean a healthy, thriving and growing Canadian economy.

That is why the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia today announced funding support to nine enterprises in the Nova Scotia fish and seafood sector through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund. These projects will help to innovate and grow the local economy all while protecting the environment.

Project Highlights

Coldwater Lobster Association (CLA) will conduct a pilot study on the effectiveness and practicality of rope-less fishing gear technology for the commercial lobster industry within lobster Fishing Area 34 (LFA 34). CLA is partnering with an oceans technology company, to test and evaluate rope-less fishing gear, acoustic receivers and related technology. This technology could help reduce some risks to the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale population, as well as for other marine mammals.

IMO Foods Limited will upgrade its seafood canning operations by installing a new processing system to improve productivity that will help reduce energy consumption and lower emissions. In addition, this new technology will help meet evolving food safety requirements and help the company expand to international markets.

Eel Lake Oyster Limited will adopt new oyster grading technology that can be used on a barge while still on the water, allowing it to streamline its aquaculture operations and improve the quality of its product. Beyond this, its operations will become more sustainable through the use of solar energy to power this new technology.

Six tuna fishing enterprises will purchase and install new "greenstick" trolling equipment on their vessels, allowing them to adopt more efficient tuna fishing practices. The "greenstick" technology allows harvesters to reduce unwanted by-catch, maximize productivity of fishing practices and ensure higher quality of the product.

Funding for these projects includes approximately $573,000 through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund, along with a $195,000 repayable contribution (for IMO Foods Limited, specifically) through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency's Business Development Program. The $573,000 contribution derives from over $400 million in Atlantic Fisheries Fund support, jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments, and focuses on increasing opportunities and market value for sustainably sourced, high-quality fish and seafood products from Atlantic Canada.

Quotes

"Our government is working with our partners to make Canada's fish and seafood sector more innovative, productive and sustainable. We are boosting the local economy and increasing employment opportunities in small coastal and Indigenous communities, while also ensuring the health of our fisheries for future generations."

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

"We know the importance of our fisheries sector and what it means to our economy. Together with our partners, we're continuing to grow our exports, and supporting innovation to ensure our fisheries remains strong, prosperous, and sustainable for generations. That's why the Province of Nova Scotia is proud to be a part of this important program, committing $38 million over the seven-year lifespan of the project. "

The Honourable Keith Colwell, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Province of Nova Scotia

"We recognize the importance of Canada's seafood industry, particularly in Atlantic Canada, that's why we will provide up to 70% of funding to businesses in our seafood sector to meet growing demands. We know in Nova Scotia we have a high quality, sustainably sourced, and a high demand product and we will help ensure businesses are able to get their products to market. "

Bernadette Jordan, Member of Parliament, South Shore – St. Margarets

Associated Links

• AFF home page
• AFF application
• Atlantic Growth Strategy

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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maritimes Region

Jocelyn Lubczuk, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, [phone], [email protected]; Media Relations, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 613-990-7537, [email protected]