Rivière-au-Renard, Quebec - The Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec announce more than $1 million in funding to improve the efficiency, quality and sustainability of Quebec's fish and seafood sector. The Government of Canada's contribution to these six projects in the Gaspé region is $895,761, and the Government of Quebec's contribution is $383,899.
The five-year Quebec Fisheries Fund (QFF) supports projects in the areas of innovation, science partnerships, commercial fisheries, aquaculture and processing. These projects increase the value of high‑quality fish and seafood products from sustainable sources, and help position Quebec's fish and seafood sector for continued long‑term growth.
The combined contributions of the federal and provincial governments total $42.8 million in investments in the QFF, which will create opportunities and increase the market value of high‑quality fish and seafood products from sustainable practices in Quebec.
Quick facts
- Merinov is receiving more than $370,000 to develop and test a new generation of fishing gear, equipped with light bait, for the capture of Greenland halibut.
- The Regroupement des pêcheurs professionnels du sud de la Gaspésie (RPPSG) is receiving more than $520,000 to develop a new national logbook by fleet.
- 9182-7683 Québec inc. (Yan Bourdages) is receiving more than $90,000 to purchase and install a Simrad Trawl Eye monitoring system on the Meridian 66, a shrimp fishing vessel. He will also then receive nearly $100,000 to purchase and install a Marport M5 monitoring system on board the Amélie-Zoé II, a shrimp fishing vessel.
- Pêcheries Desbois et Filles inc. is receiving also nearly $100,000 to purchase and install a Marport M5 monitoring system on board Le Royale III, a shrimp fishing vessel.
- Pêcheries Mario B. inc. is receiving more than $95,000 to purchase and install a Simrad Trawl Eye monitoring system on the Mario B. 1, a shrimp fishing vessel.
Note on Simrad and Marport systems
These are echo sounders with hydrophones that improve fishing efficiency and environmental sustainability, in particular by avoiding contact of the trawl with the bottom of the sea.
QFF Review, April 24, 2019 to October 15, 2021
- 125 funding applications received during this period, broken down as follows:
- 59 projects approved, for a value of $9,196,092
- 15 projects in the ministerial approval process, for a total value of $2,464,845
- 27 ineligible projects, 8 of which were withdrawn by the promoter
- 24 projects under analysis or awaiting information from the recipient
- The total investment generated by the 59 approved projects amounts to $20,458,685.
Quotes
"Protecting and improving the health of our oceans is important to all Canadians, especially those who make a living in the fish and seafood sector. Thanks to investments in new technologies like these, companies are increasingly able to improve their operations while minimizing their impact on the environment."
The Honourable Joyce Murray
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
"I am proud that the collaboration between the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada contributes to the innovation, transformation, protection and sustainability of the fish and seafood sector in Quebec as well as to the growth of businesses in the Gaspé region."
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier
Minister of National Revenue, Member of Parliament for Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine
"I am really proud of our government's contribution to the development of the fisheries sector by actively participating in the Fonds des pêches du Québec, a program we launched three years ago. The commercial fisheries and aquaculture industry operates in a highly competitive business environment, both domestically and on export markets. Moreover, its results depend on unpredictable and changing environmental conditions. To remain successful, companies must innovate, in order to adapt to both consumer needs and the demands of markets and society. The projects we are funding today will make it easier for fishermen to do their jobs while also promoting the long-term sustainability of fishing activities. I would also like to mention that they bear witness to the fruitful cooperation between Quebec, Canada and industry players."
Mr. André Lamontagne
Ministre de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec and minister responsible for the Centre-du-Québec and the Chaudière-Appalaches Regions
