Canada’s fisheries are the backbone of many coastal communities and a driving force of the economy. The seafood sector is a rapidly shifting environment – competition is intensifying, consumers are looking for sustainability and quality. That is why the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia (NS) today announced funding support to the Maritime Fishermen’s Union Inc.’s (MFU) Nova Scotia members through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF).

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“The quality of Nova Scotia lobster is known worldwide, and that’s why the product remains in such high demand. The Atlantic Fisheries Fund supports innovative ways to harvest, process and deliver local high-quality, sustainably sourced fish and seafood. The funding announced today builds the region’s international reputation for unmatched quality, and supports new handling and holding technologies aboard vessels when the product is at its peak of freshness.”

The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

”The continued health and growth of the lobster industry in Nova Scotia is key to support not only the families and communities that harvest the resource, but to our Province’s prosperity as a whole. This support for innovation in the sector at a local level will help provide the highest quality seafood product possible for domestic and international markets, which will increase its value and support the livelihood of families in our communities for generations.”

Sean Fraser, Minister of Refugees, Citizenship and Immigration and Member of Parliament for Central Nova

“Nova Scotia has built a global reputation for top quality seafood - not by luck, but through the hard work of many in the sector, beginning with fish harvesters. By focusing on maintaining the quality of the products that come from our waters, the Maritime Fishermen’s Union is also helping maintain that global reputation, which opens new doors for Nova Scotia companies every day.”

The Honourable Steve Craig, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Nova Scotia

“We are pleased to be able to offer this funding help to our members. We will work diligently with the funders and our membership to ensure that every NS member has access to the funds in order to improve lobster quality.”

Gordon Beaton, Nova Scotia Vice President, Maritime Fishermen’s Union Inc.

• The Atlantic Fisheries Fund will invest over $400 million over seven years to support Canada’s fish and seafood sector.

• The federal government will provide 70% of the funding, with 30% coming from the Atlantic provinces.

• The fund aims to help Canada’s seafood sector transition to meet growing market demands for products that are high quality, value-added, and sustainably sourced.

• 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;
  • 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.

Associated links

• Atlantic Fisheries Fund
• Atlantic Fisheries Fund application
• Atlantic Growth Strategy
• Toll-free program contact: 1-844-795-9718

Kevin Lemkay                          
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans
and the Canadian Coast Guard             
613-992-3474
kevin.lemkay@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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

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