January 24, 2019
Shippagan, New Brunswick - With the longest coastline in the world, Canada's coastal communities rely on the fish and seafood industry as an integral contributor to local and regional economies. This is why the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick today announced funding support to five organizations through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund.
The funding—a total contribution of more than $1.9 million —will see the implementation of innovative projects and new technologies in the fishing industry.
Project Highlights
Valorēs (Costal Zones Research Institut Inc.) will develop and test an innovative system for handling snow crab from the point of capture to arrival at the processing plant. This system will eliminate excessive handling and thereby improve overall product quality and its value on international markets. It will also help to improve work safety on ships and on wharves, and will establish a product traceability system.
Pêcheries APMG Inc and Sir Eldon Ltd. will both adopt a new technology- wireless sensors for monitoring trawls, find lost gear and make adjustments in cross currents - enabling shrimp harvesters to optimize their fishing efforts, reduce the consumption of fuel, and collect scientific data related to water temperature data.
Pêcheries LeBreton & Fils Ltée will optimize its operations with the installation and implementation of new cooling technology in its seafood processing facility. This new technology will enhance product quality, decrease energy consumption and extend the shelf life of its products.
The Association coopérative des pêcheurs de l'île Ltée will purchase specialized equipment to improve its shrimp oil extraction process and develop a commercialization strategy for this product.
Funding these organizations will result in a positive impact on local and regional economies in New Brunswick. The contribution derives from the $400 million Atlantic Fisheries Fund, 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.
The Atlantic Fisheries Fund will continue to invest in projects over the seven-year life of the program. The commercial fisheries and aquaculture industry, Indigenous groups, universities and academia and industry associations and organizations, including research institutions, may apply.
Eligible projects must focus on:
- Innovation – to support research and development of new innovations that contribute to sustainability of the fish and seafood sector, and to create partnerships and networks that aim to promote and encourage innovations in the sector;
- Infrastructure – to adopt or adapt new technologies, processes, or equipment to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of the fish and seafood sector;
- Science Partnerships – fisheries and aquaculture industry based partnerships with academia and institutions to enhance knowledge and understanding of the impacts of changing oceanographic conditions and sustainable harvesting technology.
"Innovation in the Atlantic Canada fish and seafood sector is essential – a sector that generates important job opportunities for small coastal and Indigenous communities across Atlantic Canada. These initiatives are examples on how we are contributing to protect our fisheries and ocean environment, and ensure that they remain sustainable and healthy for future generations."
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
"The fishing industry is vital in our region. Funding these projects will help boost innovation in this sector and ensure we can continue to deliver high quality products recognized around the world."
Serge Cormier, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Acadie-Bathurst
"The aquaculture and fisheries sectors are important contributors to the New Brunswick economy. These projects are exactly what was intended by the Atlantic Fisheries Fund to drive innovation and improvement and bring our fish and seafood sectors to a new level. "
The Honourable Ross Wetmore, Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, Province of New Brunswick
"These investments, through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund, will support five local businesses that are pursuing innovative projects which will make them leaders in their field. This funding is also welcome news in that it will create additional employment and economic spinoff benefits in our communities. "
The Honourable Robert Gauvin, Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, Province of New Brunswick and Member of Legislative Assembly for Shippagan-Lamèque-Miscou
Quick facts
The Atlantic Fisheries Fund will invest over $400 million over seven years to support Canada's fish and seafood sector.
The federal government will provide 70% of the funding, with 30% coming from the Atlantic provinces.
The fund aims to help Canada's seafood sector transition to meet growing market demands for products that are high quality, value-added, and sustainably sourced.
