January 23, 2009
ST. ANDREWS, NB – The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada, on behalf of Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) today announced $1.1 million in funding for the southwest New Brunswick aquaculture industry through the Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program (AIMAP).
“Our government is committed to enhancing the global competitiveness, productivity and environmental performance of Canada’s aquaculture industry,” said Minister Thompson. “When we invest in aquaculture, we are investing in a brighter future for fishing communities throughout New Brunswick. This, in turn, means a brighter future for thousands of families.”
Four innovative projects led by Aquaculture Engineering Group Inc., Cooke Aquaculture Inc., Canadian Halibut Inc., and Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd. will enhance southwest New Brunswick’s aquaculture industry. These projects aim to offer sustainable solutions for Canadian finfish aquaculture operations, develop alternative renewable sources of essential fatty acids derived from marine bacteria for use in fish feed, develop halibut culture in the Lower Bay of Fundy, and develop improved diagnostics for Renibacterium salmoninarum, a causative agent of bacterial kidney disease in Atlantic Salmon.
AIMAP funding will help recipients plan, manage and complete aquaculture projects. This federal funding will also influence and encourage investments from a variety of public and private sector sources, promoting collaborative efforts in Canada's aquaculture industry and minimizing the duplication of effort.
Please visit the following website for more information on DFO’s aquaculture program, the AIMAP application process, a summary of projects funded, frequently asked questions on AIMAP and contact information: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/sustainable-durable/innovation-eng.htm.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Ann Matejicka
Director, Communications
Minister’s Office
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(613) 947-4481
Communications Branch
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maritimes Region
Dartmouth, NS
(902) 426-3550
NR-MAR-09-02E
