Press Release
From: Fisheries and Oceans Canada
December 5, 2018
St. John’s, NL – With the longest coastline in the world, Canada’s coastal communities rely on the fishing industry as an integral contributor to local and regional economies. This is why the Government of Canada and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador today announced funding support to the fish and seafood sectors through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund.
The funding—a total contribution of more than $18 million—will see investments and innovation in harvesting and handling technologies, seafood processing automation and modernization, and sustainable aquaculture production. The funding will also support fisheries research to increase our understanding of the impact of climate change on the productivity of our fisheries. More specifically we are making investments in:
Funding these projects will increase the effectiveness, quality and sustainability of the fish and seafood sector in Newfoundland and Labrador, resulting in a positive impact on local economies and creating jobs. 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. Seafood sector participants including commercial fish harvesters, seafood processors and the aquaculture industry, Indigenous groups, academia and research institutions, and industry organizations may apply.
Eligible projects must focus on:
Quotes
“This new funding means more innovation and jobs for communities right across Newfoundland. I am pleased that we are working with businesses and communities to grow our fisheries and ensure that they remain healthy for future generations.”
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“The Atlantic Fisheries Fund is creating new opportunities for provincial producers of sustainably sourced, high-quality fish and seafood products. This latest round of investments provides important financial support to harvesters, processors, aquaculture operations, academia and other stakeholders throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, and reaffirms the Federal Government’s recognition of the important contribution the fishing and aquaculture industry plays in supporting and sustaining many rural communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Today’s announcement sends a clear message to our fishing industry – the sector in Newfoundland and Labrador is moving ahead and we are positioning the industry to respond to evolving and growing demands of consumers around the world. Enhancing the provincial fishing sector is a key component of our Way Forward strategy. We will continue to work with the federal government and industry stakeholders as we secure maximum benefits for the people and communities in Newfoundland and Labrador who rely on the fishery for their livelihood.”
The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources
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Contacts
For more information:
Jocelyn Lubczuk
Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
343-548-7863
Jocelyn.lubczuk@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
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