Harper Government Invests in New Research to Support Job Creation in Nunavut Fisheries Sector

New research will focus on current and future economic opportunities in the fishing industry

IQALUIT, Jan. 12, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced funding today for three fisheries science and research projects in Nunavut. These investments will improve knowledge about fish stocks, contribute to the sustainability of the industry and support economic opportunities and job creation in Nunavut's fisheries sector.

Through these investments, research will be examining northern shrimp, Greenland halibut, turbot and char populations off Nunavut. It will also go toward research assessing the commercial viability of porcupine crabs and the Qikiqtarjuaq clam harvest. These projects will contribute extensively to knowledge about Nunavut's marine resources and help inform decisions about sustainable resource management.

Quick Facts

• The total funding amount for this announcement is $7,200,641 with the Government of Canada investing $4,306,472.
• In 2013-14, the total market value of Nunavut's fishery was $86 million with 370 people employed seasonally in the offshore and inshore fisheries.
• Working with its federal, territorial, industry and Aboriginal community partners, CanNor has invested more than $6 million in Nunavut's fishing industry since 2010.

Quotes

"Our Government is proud to invest in the development of a vibrant fishing industry in Nunavut. Our support for new research in the sector will increase economic opportunities and job creation while developing Nunavut's fisheries in a sustainable way that benefits all Nunavummiut."

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Council

"Our Government is committed to foster growth of Nunavut's fishing industry. That is why we invested $40.5 million to build the first commercial fishing harbour in Nunavut and are now investing in scientific research. This science will help to identify current and future opportunities in Nunavut's fishing industry, ensuring its sustainability in the long term."

Gail Shea
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

"This investment in scientific research is vital to maintaining and expanding a sustainable fishing industry in Nunavut. I am pleased to see our Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (traditional knowledge) which has formed the base of our harvest of fisheries stocks, supplemented through this support for inshore and offshore fisheries research and development."
Johnny Mike
Minister of Environment, Government of Nunavut

Associated Links  

Investments Strengthen Nunavut's Fishing Industry -
http://www.cannor.gc.ca/eng/1389806603989/1389806659835

CanNor gives boost to Nunavut fisheries
http://www.cannor.gc.ca/eng/1389806324253/1389806405105

Government of Canada Invests in Inuit-Owned Fisheries
http://www.cannor.gc.ca/eng/1387567188224/1387567226225

Funding for these projects was made possible through Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program. CanNor works to help develop a diversified, sustainable and dynamic economy across Canada's three territories, and delivers on its northern mandate through funding programs, the Northern Projects Management Office and by undertaking policy and research.

For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca

For more information on Canada's Northern Strategy, visit: northernstrategy.ca

SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Ted Laking, 819-997-1441; Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Craig Welsh, Communications Advisor, Nunavut Region, 867-975-3722; Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Michelle Boriel, DFO Media Relations, 613-990-7537; Government of Nunavut, Department of Environment, Eric Blair, Policy and Communications Officer, 867-975-7721