Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
February 10, 2010
Arnold’s Cove Company
Doubling Production Capacity
Working towards the goal of doubling its
production capacity and positioning itself for long-term
success, Merasheen Mussel Farms Inc. is modernizing and
expanding its operations with a $120,000 loan from the
Provincial Government.
“In recent years, the province’s aquaculture sector has
experienced tremendous growth and given rise to new
business development and career opportunities,” said the
Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade
and Rural Development. “This growth can be attributed in
large part to the development of modern and innovative
farming practices that improve product quality and
yield. As a government, we are a committed partner to
supporting this industry as it continues to grow in
competitiveness and productivity.”
The project involves replacing older farming equipment
with the newer ‘rope and float’ system, requiring less
effort to seed and harvest. Along with the replacement
of equipment, other work includes adding mussel
collector lines and floats, lengthening existing lines,
and anchoring new collector lines in the expansion area.
Harvesting the new lines will occur in approximately
three years when the first mussels reach full maturity.
“The modifications we are making to the farming
equipment ensure that my company can produce shellfish
of highest quality that meets market demand,” said
Christopher Warren, Owner, Merasheen Mussel Farms. “This
project is an important step in helping our company
reach its fullest potential. As a result, we are now in
a position to increase our mussel harvest to one million
pounds by 2011 with prospects of securing year-round
buyers.”
Based in Arnold’s Cove, Merasheen Mussel Farms Inc. has
operated a blue mussel farm off Merasheen Island in
Placentia Bay since 1995. The area is considered one of
the best ice-free blue mussel sites in the province.
“I applaud Mr. Warren as he takes important steps in
successfully developing his aquaculture farm,” said
Calvin Peach, MHA, Bellevue. “His continued success is a
shining example of the possibilities that exist for
businesses in all regions of the province.”
Funding for the project was available through
the Provincial Government’s Shellfish Aquaculture
Working Capital Fund (AWCF). The AWCF provides repayable
loans to commercial aquaculture businesses as capital
for establishing and expanding commercial operations,
ensuring the aquaculture industry achieves long-term
viability and enhances its competitiveness
internationally.
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Media contacts:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural
Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
Christopher Warren
Owner
Merasheen Mussel Farms Inc.
709-463-2019 |
Donna Ivey
Communications Manager
Government Members Office
709-729-0898, 697-1424
donnaivey@gov.nl.ca |
|
2010 02 10
10:30 a.m.