Out of the 29 projects that have received funding through the $8 million Economic Action Plan Lobster Initiative, investments in 20 projects are being announced today, totalling a federal contribution of $4.5 million through ACOA. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada is contributing $44,184 to provide training for fish and lobster harvesters in the Scotia Fundy region to enable them to respond to evolving market opportunities. The Canada Economic Development Agency for Quebec Regions is contributing $50,319 toward a sustainable lobster management plan for a joint project between the First Nation communities of Eel River Bar and Pabineau, New Brunswick and Listuguj, located in Quebec. This project will be carried out by Gespe'gewaq Mi'gmaq Resource Council Inc.

With today's announcement, a total of $7.9 million in federal funding has been committed to industry projects under the $8 million Lobster Initiative since its launch in May 2009, fulfilling a commitment by the Government of Canada to assist the industry during this challenging economic period.

The following is a list of the 20 projects announced today, November 26, 2010:

The council is engaging the Atlantic Veterinary College Lobster Science Centre (AVCLSC) to conduct a study on how to maximize the benefits of shipping live lobster through the Aqualife Live Seafood Transport System (ALSTS). The project assesses the health of live lobsters shipped through a unique ocean-freight container system. The AVCLSC is a research unit at the University of Prince　Edward Island, located in Charlottetown. Total project cost: $106,608; CAF Lobster Initiative contribution: $85,287.

Through this project, the Canadian Council of Professional Fish Harvesters and Atlantic lobster industry stakeholders is working to advance awareness of traceability requirements within the Atlantic lobster industry. In addition, the project proponents are designing and piloting a seafood traceability system for the region's lobster industry. Total project cost: $1,201,675; CAF Lobster Initiative contribution: $669,875.

This initiative involves the establishment of a training institute which will offer educational opportunities to lobster producers and buyers throughout Atlantic Canada. The institute is housed at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre's new Discovery Centre located in St. Andrew's, New　Brunswick. Total project cost: $1,400,000; CAF Lobster Initiative contribution: $700,000; Government of New Brunswick contribution: $250,000

The council is developing and implementing a communications plan to collaboratively address issues facing Atlantic Canada's lobster industry. Total project cost: $115,425; CAF Lobster Initiative contribution: $92,340

This project provides a long-term strategic framework for the management of a sustainable lobster fishery in the First Nation communities of Eel River Bar and Pabineau, New Brunswick as well as Listuguj located in Quebec. Total project cost: $195,050; CAF Lobster Initiative for Atlantic Canada contribution: $75,781; Canada Economic Development Agency for Quebec Regions contribution: $50,319

This project's aim is to implement a lean manufacturing initiative with lobster processors on New Brunswick's Eastern Coast to allow them to become more efficient and competitive by standardizing processes and reducing production costs. Total project cost: $520,000; CAF Lobster Initiative contribution: $260,000; Government of New Brunswick contribution: $157,500

Located in Cape-Pelé, New Brunswick, Cape Bald Packers Ltd. has identified alternative ways to reduce fresh water usage and to improve the quality of water discharged into the municipal system by purchasing specialized equipment to refrigerate the water, monitor water use, collect waste and re-circulate water. Total project cost: $635,000; CAF Lobster Initiative contribution: $317,500; Government of New Brunswick contribution: $254,000

The sustainability plan will enhance the fishery's regional capacity for MFU members of Local Fishing Area (LFA) 25, in Western New Brunswick. Total project cost: $97,000; CAF Lobster Initiative contribution: $77,600; Government of New Brunswick contribution: $9,700

This initiative engages seven New Brunswick First Nation and Aboriginal groups, with licenses to fish lobster for commercial purposes in Western Northumberland (LFA 25), to develop sustainability plans. Total project cost: $80,000; CAF Lobster Initiative contribution: $64,000; Government of New Brunswick contribution: $8,000

This project includes the development of a long term lobster sustainability plan for LFA 24 by enhancing conservation and implementing industry self-adjustment measures as well as encouraging a shift towards eco-certification standards for LFA 24 which covers the North Shore of Prince　Edward Island. Total project cost: $73,475; CAF Lobster Initiative contribution: $44,380; Government of Prince Edward Island contribution: $8,322

This marketing initiative enables members of the Abegweit, Millbrook and Membertou First Nations to take part in a trade mission in Arizona, USA, in order to develop nation to nation distribution channels to market Atlantic lobster to tribal-owned resorts and casinos. Total project cost: $125,000; CAF Lobster Initiative contribution: $100,000; Government of Prince Edward Island contribution: $10,000; First Nations of Abegweit, Millbrook and Membertou combined contribution: $15,000

LFA 26 A located in Prince Edward Island is developing a sustainability plan to strengthen community infrastructure in rural communities and improve their economic growth. Total project cost: $66,850; CAF Lobster Initiative contribution: $53,480; Government of Prince Edward Island contribution: $11,370

The Prince County Fisherman's Association is developing a lobster sustainability plan for Prince　Edward Island (PEI) fishers in LFA 25, the western portion of PEI. The plan focuses on conservation methods and eco-certification requirements. Total project cost: $67,300; CAF Lobster Initiative contribution: $53,840; Government of Prince Edward Island contribution: $10,460

Through this project, LFA 27, which covers the Cabot Strait area surrounding Cape Breton, is developing a sustainability plan for local fishers. Total project cost: $45,000; CAF Lobster Initiative contribution: $36,000; Government of Nova Scotia contribution: $4,500

Through a multi-media campaign, this pilot project is marketing Canadian live lobster to eight of China's second tier cities. The goal is to develop and establish new international market opportunities that will contribute to the growth of Atlantic Canada's live lobster industry. Total project cost: $514,000; CAF Lobster Initiative contribution: $341,810

The coalition is developing a sustainability plan for local fishing areas LFA 26 A and B which covers the eastern portion of the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia border to Auld's Cove and the western side of Cape Breton. Total project cost: $105,584; CAF Lobster Initiative contribution: $63,347; Government of Nova Scotia contribution: $7,918

This project provides training to prepare fish and lobster harvesters in the Scotia Fundy region to respond to evolving market opportunities. Total project cost: $324,000; CAF Lobster Initiative contribution: $189,216; Department of Fisheries and Oceans: $44,184; Government of Nova Scotia contribution: $80,600; Government of New Brunswick contribution: $10,000

This project enables the ESFPA to develop a five-year sustainability plan for the area's lobster fishery. The ESFPA represents 200 lobster fishers on Nova Scotia's eastern shore, encompassing two lobster fishing areas, LFA 32 and LFA 31B. Total project cost: $13,918; CAF Lobster Initiative contribution: $9,139; Government of Nova Scotia contribution: $2,285

Aqualife is working with Maersk Containership Division to establish an aquaport which is a holding and shipping facility in Avonport, Nova Scotia. The aquaport will use specialized equipment to ship live lobster using refrigerated ocean containers. Total project cost: $1.5 million; CAF Lobster Initiative contribution: $750,000

North Taste Flavourings Inc./Saveurs du Nord Inc. based in Bas-Caraquet, New Brunswick, is acquiring technology to manufacture natural seafood stock in the northeast region of the province. The new equipment will increase the production and packaging capacity of the facility and reduce production time. Total project cost: $3.6 million; CAF Lobster Initiative contribution: $500,000; Government of New Brunswick contribution: $400,000

On November 26, 2010, an announcement of funding for 20 projects was made under the Community Adjustment Fund Lobster Initiative, which is administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Prior to this announcement and since the launch of the Government of Canada's Economic Action in 2009, the following projects have also received funding under the Lobster Initiative:

This project is aiding the Canadian lobster industry in the development of a comprehensive marketing strategy to address challenges and provide long-term solutions for the industry's sustainability and prosperity. The Lobster Council of Canada is acting as the oversight committee for the project.

Total project cost: $417,000; CAF Lobster Initiative contribution: $352,000. All four Atlantic Canadian provinces have each provided $25,000 funding to this initiative for a combined contribution of $100,000.