Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
Fisheries and Aquaculture
February 5, 2015
Encouraging Economic Diversity Through Strategic Investments
Provincial Government Invests in South Coast Aquaculture Industry
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is supporting the aquaculture sector on the province's south coast with investments totalling more than $287,000 in infrastructure and innovative technologies to meet the current and anticipated demands of this successful industry.
"The environmentally sustainable growth of the aquaculture industry is a priority for our government. Through strategic investments in infrastructure and technology, we can ensure this vital sector of our coastal economy continues to grow and prosper."
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
The Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association is receiving $55,000 to help introduce new software developed at the Atlantic Veterinary College for use in fish health management. This project will help operators monitor and control health issues such as sea lice in farmed salmon.
As well, the Provincial Government is contributing $7,500 to help companies better manage industry waste through ensiling (the making of fish silage from waste.) Traditionally, the salmon industry has relied on composting services to manage waste. As the industry grows, ensiling is being examined as a more sustainable option.
"Aquaculture has become a key driver of the provincial economy, and has revitalized many rural communities. By investing in leading technologies we strengthen the industry's ability to pursue best practices, and compete effectively in markets throughout the world."
- The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
The Miawpukek First Nation is receiving $125,000 towards expanding the community's wharf facility to meet the current and anticipated demand for work and storage areas. The facility is strategically located in Bay d'Espoir and accommodates a number of aquaculture operators.
The Provincial Government is also investing $100,000 in an innovative project by Newfoundland Aqua Service Ltd, a company which supplies services and products to aquaculture operators, including net cleaning. The company is pursuing new custom-designed technology which will improve operations.
"Aquaculture is an important sector of our economy, providing jobs, and economic benefits for families and communities throughout the south coast, and I am very pleased with these investments which will support the future of the industry in our region."
- Tracey Perry, MHA for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune
Through the Regional Development Fund, the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development provides support to organizations by way of non-repayable contributions for projects aimed at supporting economic development, innovation and capacity building in all regions of the province. The Business Development Support Program assists small and medium-sized businesses with opportunities to increase productivity and improve competitiveness. Funding is available for productivity improvements, knowledge development, market development and/or professional technical advice.
Additional information on programs can be found at: www.ibrd.gov.nl.ca/starting/fundingincentive
QUICK FACTS
- The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is investing more than $287,000 in the aquaculture industry on Newfoundland's south coast, including grants to the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association, the Miawpukek First Nation, and Newfoundland Aqua Service Ltd.
- Funding will go toward infrastructure, research, and innovative technologies that will help meet the current and anticipated demands of this successful industry.
- Additional information on funding programs through the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development can be found at: www.ibrd.gov.nl.ca/starting/fundingincentive
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Media contacts:
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Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca |
Jason Card
Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 699-0470 jasoncard@gov.nl.ca |
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Carolyn Collier
Constituency Assistant to Tracey Perry MHA for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune 709-538-3112 traceyperry@gov.nl.ca |
2015 02 05 11:05 a.m.