Fisheries and Aquaculture
December 5, 2013

Enhancing Aquaculture Technology Encourages Innovation and Prosperity

Connaigre Fish Farms Incorporated Receives $33,367 to Develop Innovative Mussel Harvesting Equipment

Connaigre Fish Farms Incorporated will develop and implement innovative deep water mussel socking and harvesting technology with $33,367 from the Provincial Government. This equipment will streamline the process of handling mussels in deep waters.

“Through the Provincial Government’s Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program, innovation and efficiency is continuously supported in all areas of the fishing and aquaculture industry. Our $33,367 investment will assist Connaigre Fish Farms Incorporated with creating a better overall approach to deep water commercial mussel farming on our south coast, which will support greater productivity in the future.”
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minster of Fisheries and Aquaculture

In order to farm mussels successfully on the south coast of the province, farmers must grow mussels in much deeper waters than farms in other areas of the province. This led to Connaigre Fish Farms Incorporated developing a deep water conveyor system to facilitate growing and harvesting mussels. This innovative equipment will make operations substantially more efficient by increasing the speed and consistency of the entire process.

“I commend Connaigre Fish Farms for their commitment to innovation and good business practices, and I look forward to seeing this investment boost aquaculture activity within the province.”
- Tracey Perry, MHA for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune

With the introduction of this deep water socking and harvesting technology to the South Coast sites, the company is expected to be able to increase its annual production from approximately 500,000 pounds to between three million and five million pounds.

“We are continuously improving operations at our mussel farms to give our clients the best product possible. With these advances, we expect to achieve greater efficiency and output. I thank the Provincial Government for its support with this project, and look forward to realizing greater gains from future harvests.”
- Job Halfyard, CEO/President of Connaigre Fish Farms Incorporated

Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries, and building a vibrant economy.

QUICK FACTS

• Connagire Fish Farms Incorporated will receive more than $33,000 from the Provincial Government to assist with the development of deep water mussel farming technology.
• Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future included a $2.2 million investment in the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program, which has promoted innovation in the province’s billion dollar fishing and aquaculture industry by assisting more than 230 research and development projects since 2008.
• Connaigre Fish Farms Incorporated operates two mussel sites on the Connaigre Peninsula. The two sites have a total 457 hectares of available growing space.

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2013 12 05                                        11:20 a.m.