Funding approved for Triton operation of Badger Bay Mussel Farms Limited

Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today announced that funding valued at $10,000 has been approved for the mussel farm in Triton, an operation of Badger Bay Mussel Farms Limited.

Minister Rideout said: "This funding will greatly assist Badger Bay Mussel Farms Limited in a number of specified marketing activities to be undertaken by the organization. Furthering the development of and awareness of mussel aquaculture in this province will be very rewarding to the industry. To that end, we are very pleased to have this funding available."

Badger Bay Mussel Farms Limited operates a total of five blue mussel sites in the Green Bay region of Notre Dame Bay. The company currently employs 30 people full-time in its own farming and processing operations. In addition, it purchases and sells product from a number of other farming companies throughout the province.

"Mussel aquaculture is one of the core commercial species targeted for expansion and is providing a great opportunity for economic growth in rural communities," said Minister Rideout. "The department is supporting this expansion and sector with granting programs, extension services and dedicated monitoring programs."

"The aquaculture industry is one that holds major potential in this province, and that is particularly true of mussel aquaculture," said Windsor-Springdale MHA, Ray Hunter. "Anything we can do as a government to help aquaculture enterprises develop and expand their markets will benefit rural economies. Investments such as the one announced today will help strengthen this growing industry and serve to benefit Newfoundlanders and Labradorians into the future."

Minister Rideout says the aquaculture industry in Newfoundland and Labrador is a top priority for government. "Whether it be mussel, cod, salmon or some other species, we are committed to the aquaculture industry in this province," said the minister. "Government increased the funding for the aquaculture branch in 2004 by an additional $550,000 to support existing programs and the extended funding has been put toward the farming of mussels, cod, trout and salmon to evaluate and adopt technology, investigate and establish new markets and improve human resource capabilities."

"The department has implemented the Aquaculture Innovation Program, which is designed to improve the industry�s competitiveness and profitability," continued the minister. "Other programs implemented by the department for the aquaculture industry include the Human Resource Development Program and the Marketing Intelligence Program. These three programs combined contribute $180,000 to the industry. In addition, the department�s Fish Health Services Program contributes over $300,000 to the aquaculture sector. This funding for Badger Bay Mussel Farms Limited is another example of this commitment."

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

2006 01 10                          10:45 a.m.