VANCOUVER – The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that four B.C. businesses in the aquaculture industry will receive more than $271,000 in federal funding to help with innovative ideas to improve their operations, boost their productivity and improve their economic performance.
“I am proud to see that Canadian aquaculture is helping to meet the growing global demand for fresh fish and seafood,” said Minister Shea. “By funding innovative projects, the Government of Canada is encouraging this increasingly competitive sector to become stronger, more innovative and more environmentally sustainable.”
The federal funding is being provided through the Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program (AIMAP). For the 2009/10 fiscal year, this is the second round of projects to receive AIMAP funding, and all funds for this fiscal year have now been allocated.
Businesses receiving these investments include:
- Sablefish Canada Ltd. to improve environmental performance and reduce mortality in sablefish broodstock production;
- Target Marine Hatcheries Ltd. to design and construct a water recirculation system that promotes the maturation of adult white sturgeon;
- Limberis Seafood Processing Ltd. to import and modify equipment to fully automate Manila clam processing; and
- Below Sea Level Oyster Co. to continue with phase two of a predator deterrent method for intertidal shellfish farms that is non-lethal and cost-effective.
Under AIMAP, the Government of Canada is investing $23.5 million over five years to support the development of a vibrant and sustainable Canadian aquaculture industry that contributes to the economies of rural, coastal and First Nations communities. Recipients are required to demonstrate how their projects meet at least one of the following objectives: sustainable production, increased diversification, green technology and/or market access. This is the second year of the five-year program.
For more information on Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s aquaculture program and the AIMAP application process, visit: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/sustainable-durable/index-eng.htm. For information on the projects mentioned above, please view the media backgrounder on these initiatives.
Backgrounder:
Funding for Four B.C. Aquaculture Projects in 2009
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For more information:
Michelle Imbeau
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
(604) 666-2872
Lara Sloan
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
(604) 666-0903
NR-PR-09-028e
