Government Supporting New Technology for Mussel Aquaculture Industry 

The provincial government is supporting Norlantic Processors Limited in the development of a mussel farm submerging system designed to assist mussel growing during the winter months on the northeast coast of the province.  Funding for this initiative is being made available under the Aquaculture Innovation Program. 

�The development of the aquaculture sector continues to be a top priority for government,� said the Honourable Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.  �We continue to support industry innovation that will bring new opportunities for the industry and contribute to its overall growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.  To that end, we are pleased to contribute $29,708 to this initiative.� 

The new technology will allow mussel farms to be submerged such that they avoid the hazards presented by arctic ice.  Historically, ice has caused tremendous damage to mussel farms which has led to heavy financial losses, as well as losses related to equipment and product. 

�The development of this technology has the potential to enable mussel aquaculture activities to be carried out in areas that were previously considered to be unsuitable due to winter ice conditions,� continued Minister Rideout. 

The Aquaculture Innovation Program assists aquaculture companies to evaluate, develop and adopt new techniques and technologies that reduce production costs, improve efficiencies and increase product quality.  During the past year, this program has funded 21 projects to the tune of over $230,418. 

�The mussel aquaculture sector is expanding rapidly, with mussels one of the core commercial species targeted for expansion,� said Minister Rideout.  �Mussel production reached 3,100 MT in 2005, and we expect a similar production level for 2006.  Government was pleased to provide over $5 million in Budget 2006 for aquaculture initiatives and we will continue to support the industry as we move forward.  This is consistent with government�s clear commitment to rural Newfoundland and Labrador.� 

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Media contact:
Lori Lee Oates
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 690-8403
oatesll@gov.nl.ca