Government of Canada and Province of New Brunswick fund improvements to infrastructure, innovation and science partnerships in the fish and seafood sector

From: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

News release

November 29, 2024

Shediac, New Brunswick - Fisheries are vital to many coastal communities and a driving force of the economy in Atlantic Canada. The seafood sector is rapidly changing, with new innovative technologies being adopted to improve efficiency, seafood quality and sustainability. To support these new projects within local communities, today the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick announced funding through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF) for projects in New Brunswick’s fishing and seafood sector.

The funding—a total contribution of over $38 million—will help harvesters and processors modernize and test new equipment as well as improve productivity, and increase ecologically friendly practices in the New Brunswick fish and seafood sector. Specifically, funding announced today will support new infrastructure, innovation and scientific partnerships in:

  • Processing: 31 projects will advance the development and adoption of processing technologies and product quality to improve competitiveness and add value for the industry.
  • Aquaculture: 21 projects will enable the adoption of new technology and processes to support sustainable development of the oyster, salmon and artic char aquaculture sectors.
  • Harvesting: 16 projects will procure new equipment and develop technologies to improve onboard handling techniques, data collection and monitoring to maintain product quality and sustainable fisheries.
  • Multisector: Four projects crossing over multiple sectors, will help companies in the adoption and development of new technologies and support industry.

The contribution is from the $400 million Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF), funded by the federal and provincial governments. The AFF focuses on increasing opportunities and market value for sustainably sourced, high-quality fish and seafood products from Atlantic Canada.

Introduced in 2017, the Atlantic Fisheries Fund will continue to invest in projects until March 31, 2026, at which time all projects receiving funding must be completed. The commercial fisheries and aquaculture industry, Indigenous groups, universities and academia, and industry associations and organizations, including research institutions, may apply for funding. 

Quotes

“Investments through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund help our coastal communities thrive in the fishing and seafood sector. We are proud to contribute to innovative and new technologies to help make the sector more sustainable, efficient, and ensure that our seafood is of the highest quality for the global seafood market.”

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

"Our fisheries and aquaculture sectors are a $1.7-billion industry that supports the economy and sustains New Brunswick's rural, coastal and Indigenous communities. The Atlantic Fisheries Fund enables fish harvesters and processors to modernize their operations, adopt innovative practices, and improve productivity. We are strongly committed to supporting the resilience and long-term viability of these sectors.”

The Honourable Pat Finnigan, Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, Province of New Brunswick

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, 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. 

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Contacts

Andrew Richardson
Acting Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
andrew.richardson@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Media Relations, Maritimes Region
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
902-407-8439
Media.MaritimesRegion@dfo-mpo.gc.ca 

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

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