Rural economies to benefit from investments in aquaculture innovation

Innovation funding for the aquaculture industry is ultimately a strategic investment in the province�s rural economies, says Trevor Taylor, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

"One of our objectives is to help members of the aquaculture industry develop their technical skills and knowledge. High levels of expertise in business and marketing are also needed for continued development," said Minister Taylor. "We continue to express confidence in the economic and employment potential associated with aquaculture in dozens of our province�s coastal communities. Aquaculture innovation funding is the latest example of this."

The Aquaculture Innovation Program is designed to improve the industry�s competitiveness and profitability by encouraging aggressive improvement of finfish and shellfish farming methods, typically through new technology. The program provides a non-repayable grant of a maximum of 50 per cent of the costs of a project, with the industry responsible for the balance. This year, innovation funding totaling $79,093 has been provided to organizations involved with the farming of mussels, cod, trout, and salmon.

One of the businesses receiving a grant is Badger Bay Mussel Farms, which operates a total of five blue mussel sites in the Green Bay region of Notre Dame Bay. The company intends to purchase a gentle declumper grader for its blue mussel operations. This technology is used in the European shellfish industry to grade seed more efficiently.

Sea Ward Farms, which farms Atlantic Cod in Ship Cove, Heart�s Ease Inlet, Trinity Bay, has received a grant to help purchase a remote hybrid power system. This technology will be used to power electrical systems at a remote aquaculture site.

Nordland Aquaculture Ltd., in St. Alban�s, is conducting a study to assess the effect of photoperiod and light intensity on the growth and maturation of salmon and trout in the Bay d�Espoir region. This is the first time that this process has been attempted in Newfoundland and Labrador. As well, a cost-sharing human resources grant of $2,311 will enable two Nordland Aquaculture employees to conduct on-the-job training at a grow-out site in New Brunswick. The company-to-company skills transfer will help increase local efficiency and productivity.

One of the provincial government�s priorities is economic growth and job creation, particularly in rural areas. Commitments to aquaculture were made in the provincial budget on March 31 to support fish health services, extension services, and investment prospecting. Funding is directed at the primary aquaculture species that are seen to have the best economic opportunity.

Media contact: Alex Marland, Communications, (709) 729-3733

2004 08 20                                         9:10 a.m.