The Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada announced $641,518 to improve the effectiveness, quality and sustainability of the fish and seafood sector today in Corner Brook.

The contributions fall under the infrastructure pillar of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund and will supply eight fishing enterprises with new automated longline hauler systems and insulated tubs. This equipment will help to diversify catches, allowing for more efficiency in deep water harvesting and improve the quality of the product and the efficiency of operations.

The federal and provincial governments combined contributions will amount to over $400 million in investments in the Atlantic Fisheries Fund, which will help generate opportunities and increase the market value for sustainably sourced, high-quality fish and seafood products from Atlantic Canada. This new investment under the Atlantic Growth Strategy will help strengthen the Atlantic economy and increase job opportunities for Atlantic Canadians.

The Atlantic Fisheries Fund will continue to invest in projects over the next seven years. The commercial fisheries and aquaculture industry, Indigenous groups, universities and academia and industry associations and organizations, including research institutions, may apply.

Quotes
“As outlined in The Way Forward, supporting the growth and development of our renewable natural resource industries is a core priority for our Provincial Government. Our fishery is central to that commitment. The Atlantic Fisheries Fund gives us incredible tools to advance top-quality and value-added products that we bring to market as demonstrated in the state-of-the-art, gear technology announcements we are making today. As we transition to greater levels of groundfish in the products we bring to market, we have an important opportunity that must not be wasted to raise the bar on quality and value for our industry, our communities and the people who earn their living from the sea.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources

“Innovation in this sector, which is integral to the Canadian economy, means more job opportunities for hundreds of small coastal and Indigenous communities across not only Atlantic Canada, but the country. I am so proud that we are delivering on our mandate to protect our fisheries and ensure that they remain healthy for future generations.”
Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“I am excited to be working in the spirit of cooperation with our provincial colleagues on an issue that resonates with all Atlantic Canadians: the future of our fisheries. Together, we are committed to growing the region’s commercial fishing and seafood sector in a way that is both economically ambitious and environmentally responsible.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan
Minister of Veteran Affairs and Associate National Defence

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Learn More

The Way Forward – thewayforward.gov.nl.ca

Atlantic Fisheries Fund – www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/initiatives/fish-fund-atlantic-fonds-peche/index-eng.html 

Atlantic Growth Strategy – www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/ags-sca/Eng/atlantic-growth.html 

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Media contacts
Connie Boland
Fisheries and Land Resources
709-637-2923, 640-6409
connieboland@gov.nl.ca 

Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Laura Gareau
Office of the Minister 
Fisheries and Oceans Canada 
613-992-3474 
laura.gareau@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador will provide $641,518 for eight fish harvesters through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund.

• David Wyman Patey and Dean Patey, St. Anthony, Northern Peninsula, $36,986
• Jocelyn and Brothers Ltd. and Derrick Bath, Durrell, Twillingate, $99,960
• Dwight Russell Enterprises, Mary’s Harbour, Labrador, $99,813
• Russell’s Fisheries Ltd. and Allister Russell Labrador, Mary’s Harbour, Labrador, $99,998
• David Michael Hickey, Petty Harbour, Avalon Peninsula, $99,000
• Clarke and Sons Fishing, St. John’s, Avalon Peninsula, $99,977
• Dion Lavers, Port aux Choix, Northern Peninsula, $24,104
• Alton Rumbolt, St Mary’s Harbour, Labrador, $81,680

Eligible projects must focus on:

• Innovation – to support research and development of new innovations that contribute to sustainability of the fish and seafood sector, and to create partnerships and networks that aim to promote and encourage innovations in the sector;
• Infrastructure – to adopt or adapt new technologies, processes, or equipment to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of the fish and seafood sector; and
• Science Partnerships – fisheries and aquaculture industry based partnerships with academia and institutions to enhance knowledge and understanding of the impacts of changing oceanographic conditions and sustainable harvesting technology.