Pleasantview to benefit from Fisheries Development Program

Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today announced that the community of Pleasantview will benefit from the department�s Fisheries Development Program. The mussel farm operation of Norlantic Processors Limited has received $10,000 to assist in purchasing new ice-making equipment for the mussel industry.

Minister Rideout said, "With the development of the mussel farming industry, there has been an identified need for a new type and quality of ice necessary for both moving live mussels locally and for the marketing of live mussels internationally. Mussel aquaculture is providing a great opportunity for economic growth in rural communities, and therefore my department is pleased to contribute to this worthwhile project that will have a positive impact on the mussel aquaculture industry in this province."

This technology will generate industry-wide benefits in terms of increased quality, improved position in the marketplace and the demonstration of this new technology to the rest of the mussel industry.

"I applaud the minister for making this funding available," said Exploits MHA Clayton Forsey. "This new ice-making equipment will greatly improve this company�s ability to deliver quality product to market. This is a great investment in a rural Newfoundland and Labrador enterprise and I wish Norlantic Processors Limited every success in their new initiative."

"The aquaculture sector is the most under-utilized of opportunities for economic development in rural areas of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Rideout. "Our province has the capacity to become the largest producer of aquaculture products in Canada. We have some of the only remaining sites suitable for aquaculture development in eastern Canada. Yet less than 10 per cent of this province�s aquaculture space is currently being utilized."

The Fisheries Development Program was implemented to further development of underutilized species, promote the improvement of the quality of species harvested, increase the diversification in products produced and the production of higher valued products and improve market access for Newfoundland and Labrador fish products.

Under this program, 26 projects are currently being carried out throughout all regions of the province.

Minister Rideout said, "Imagine the opportunities presented by the aquaculture industry in our province. Our government wishes to take full advantage of our aquaculture potential, and see all our suitable growing sites being utilized. We certainly support the development of the aquaculture industry as it brings economic activity and jobs to communities along our coasts. Rural Newfoundland and Labrador is a major contributor to the economy of the province as a whole and facilitating opportunities for the growth of the aquaculture industry in our rural communities is a top priority for government."

"This contribution to Norlantic Processors Limited," continued the minister, "certainly demonstrates this commitment."

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3733, 690-8403

2006 02 17                                            9:35 a.m.