Minister pleased with monies announced for Centre for Fisheries Innovation

Gerry Reid, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, is pleased with the funding announced today for the Centre for Fisheries Innovation. Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced that the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation (CCFI) will receive up to $6 million from the Government of Canada�s Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF).

"I am very pleased that the Government of Canada has committed this money to the Centre for Fisheries Innovation, as it will greatly assist in efforts to build a sustainable and diversified fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Reid. "Our fishery continues to be the backbone of our economy, especially in rural communities. Joint initiatives between governments, industry and the private sector, serve to strengthen and enhance the future of the fisheries and aquaculture industries."

The Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation is a non-profit corporation, and an entity of Memorial University of Newfoundland, which focusses on developing expertise in technology, science and infrastructure related to the fishing and aquaculture industries.

"CCFI has a proven track record of successful innovations in fisheries and aquaculture, and it is very gratifying that Minister Byrne and the federal government have acknowledged this with a $6 million vote of confidence."

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Communications, (709) 729-3733, or (709) 727-3438.

2002 07 12                                3:50 p.m.