The Provincial Government is providing approximately $19,000 in funding to the Association of Seafood Producers (ASP) to conduct a series of energy efficiency workshops for the fishing industry. This funding is being made available through the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program. Key research findings conclude that there is a possibility of overall energy savings of 10 to 15 per cent that may be realized by managing energy more effectively and adopting new, or modifying existing, technology in the fishery.

"With the challenges facing the global fishing industry, programs to improve energy efficiency are critical to its future growth and development in this province," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "My department is pleased to provide this funding to the industry so that it can work together toward long-term solutions for enhancing efficiency in the industry."

This funding will be used to carry out a series of workshops at three sites across the province. The workshops will build on the work of earlier projects by discussing the findings of research projects and providing participants with an energy reduction handbook. As well, a compact disk will be provided to assist seafood processors with the various methods for measuring savings based on investments in different energy saving initiatives. There will also be a presentation and discussion on energy reduction strategies including heat recovery and refrigeration systems.

The workshops will take place at the following locations, starting at 9:00 a.m.:

To register, please call 729-1076 or 729-3749.

"The Association of Seafood Producers is pleased to see the Provincial Government support this important initiative in energy efficiency," said Derek Butler, Executive Director of ASP. "Improved energy efficiency is important for our business, and we appreciate government's support in helping our industry address these challenges."

To date, the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program has contributed approximately $426,000 to help reduce energy costs and reduce the carbon footprint of the province's fishing industry.

"Our government will continue to work with the province's fishing industry stakeholders to implement energy efficiency and conservation initiatives across the industry," said Minister Jackman.

The Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program is part of the Fishing Industry Renewal Strategy. The province has allocated $6 million over three years to this program. This includes a budget of $2 million in Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation.

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