CANADIAN FUNDING TO BOOST SUSTAINABILITY

Canadian Funding to Boost Sustainability – The Government of Canada and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador recently announced funding packages to support the fish and seafood sectors through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund. Canada’s coastal communities rely on the fishing industry as an integral contributor to local and regional economies.

A total contribution of more than $18 million will bring investments and innovation in harvesting and handling technologies, seafood processing automation and modernisation, and more sustainable aquaculture production. The funding will also support fisheries research to increase our understanding of the impact of climate change on the productivity of our fisheries.

The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources, said: “This announcement sends a clear message to our fishing industry – the sector in Newfoundland and Labrador is moving ahead and we are positioning the industry to respond to evolving and growing demands of consumers around the world. Enhancing the provincial fishing sector is a key component of our Way Forward strategy. We will continue to work with the federal government and industry stakeholders as we secure maximum benefits for the people and communities in Newfoundland and Labrador who rely on the fishery for their livelihood.”

The fund will be invested in :

Harvesting Sector – More than $3.7 million for 54 projects throughout the province, targeting all three cod stocks in Newfoundland and Labrador that support commercial and stewardship fisheries. Projects are focused on improving quality of landings through adoption of harvesting and on-board handling technologies for inshore groundfish fisheries.

Processing Sector – Over $4.6 million for five projects throughout the province. Projects focus on cutting-edge technology, automation, and improving quality and productivity in the processing sector.

Aquaculture Sector – More than $1.5 million for four projects focused on improved technology and increasing aquaculture research to improve sustainability.

Science Partnerships – Over $4.3 million for a five-year scientific research project focused on filling key knowledge gaps to improve stock assessments, contribute to fisheries certification, and inform strategies for managing the impacts of climate and productivity changes.
Innovation/Research and Development – $4.5 million for a multi-year applied research and development project focused on driving innovation in the seafood sector by linking the demands of industry to the capacities of universities.

Funding these projects will increase the effectiveness, quality and sustainability of the fish and seafood sector in Newfoundland and Labrador, resulting in a positive impact on local economies and creating jobs. The contribution derives from the $400 million Atlantic Fisheries Fund, jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments, and focuses on increasing opportunities and market value for sustainably sourced, high-quality fish and seafood products from Atlantic Canada.

The Atlantic Fisheries Fund will continue to invest in projects over the seven-year life of the program. Seafood sector participants including commercial fish harvesters, seafood processors and the aquaculture industry, Indigenous groups, academia and research institutions, and industry organisations may apply.

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 productivity and sustainability of the fish and seafood sector;

Science Partnerships – fisheries and aquaculture industry based partnerships with researchers to enhance knowledge and understanding of the impacts of climate change is having on our ocean and on the harvesting and aquaculture industries.

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