Government of Canada and Province of Nova Scotia fund 120 projects to support increased lobster quality across the province

From: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

News release

November 1, 2022

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia - 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, and consumers are looking for sustainability and quality. That is why the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia (NS) today are announcing total funding of more than $7 million for 120 Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF) projects to support increased lobster quality in Nova Scotia through infrastructure, innovation and science partnership projects.

  • Vessel Improvements (live wells and other equipment) – 95 projects focused on the purchase and installation of technology and equipment to improve the quality of harvested lobster and the sustainability of operations.
  • Shore Facility Improvements– 22 projects focused on the purchase and installation of equipment and upgrades, including automation, to improve lobster quality for land-based processing and storage facilities.
  • Innovation – 1 project focused on improving standards for lobster quality. 
  • Science Partnership – 2 projects focused on research and development related to lobster quality.

This $7 million contribution comes from the $400 million AFF, 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 AFF is in its fifth year and will continue to invest in projects over the seven-year life of the program. The commercial fisheries and aquaculture industry, Indigenous groups, academia, industry associations and organizations, including research institutions, are eligible to apply for AFF funding. 

Quotes

“Nova Scotia is known the world over for its superb seafood thanks to the commitment by all industry members constantly pursuing improved quality and sustainability of their product. The Atlantic Fisheries Fund is assisting 120 projects that will support continued innovations that help ensure when Nova Scotia lobster arrives at markets and on the plates of consumers, it is at the peak of quality.”

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

“Our government, in partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, is helping harvesters maintain the quality of the seafood products that come from our waters. Striving for top quality, at every step along the way – from lobster boat to dinner plate – will make sure that Nova Scotia seafood products are second to none, and our global reputation for top quality, sustainable seafood stays strong.”

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

Quick facts

  • 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, high value, 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.

Related products

Associated links

Contacts

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

Toll-free program contact: 1-844-795-9718

Stay Connected

Page details

Date modified: