January 25, 2012
Borden-Carleton, PEI – The Honourable Gail Shea, Regional Minister for Prince Edward Island and the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today the Government of Canada will invest almost $970,000 to support three innovative aquaculture projects in Prince Edward Island. Representing the Government of Prince Edward Island was Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Ron MacKinley.
“Our Government is committed to boosting the Canadian economy,” said Minister Ashfield. "Innovation in aquaculture will help create jobs, especially in rural areas."
“The aquaculture industry in Prince Edward Island offers many economic benefits and a variety of exciting career choices for people living in rural and coastal communities,” said Minister Shea.
“Aquaculture is a very important part of the fishery in Prince Edward Island,” said Minister MacKinley. “The province is pleased to partner with the federal government and industry to invest in innovative processing technologies and support certification efforts.”
Three projects in the Gulf Region received an additional $ 968,873 in funding through the federal Government:
- PEI Mussel King Inc. received an additional $450,000 toward their project to develop new and innovative equipment for mussel processing. The plant expansion, with the adoption of new handling and processing approaches, will position PEI Mussel King to take advantage of and supply new, emerging markets with value-added, quality and tailored mussel products. The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, previously announced $1 million investment in this project. The provincial government previously announced $4.8 million for this project.
- Confederation Cove Mussel Co. Ltd. received $ 505 773 for a project to develop and improve the grading process in Canadian mussel plants. The accuracy of the grading process is a very important element in terms of both quality and food safety. This innovative technology will provide the mussel processing industry with the catalyst that it needs to introduce the type of leading edge technology that will radically improve performance. A provincial contribution of $42,225 from the PEI Aquaculture and Fisheries Research Initiative supports the development and testing of this vision grading technology.
- The PEI Aquaculture Alliance received $13,100 to enable Aquaculture Industry Certification. The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development provided $3,300 towards this project.
In addition to Government of Canada funds being announced today, $18.8 million in AIMAP funding has been made available throughout Canada over the past four years. It has funded innovative aquaculture and market access projects that contribute to the industry’s growth through sustainable production, increased diversification and/or green technology.
More information on Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s aquaculture program, the AIMAP application process, a summary of projects funded, frequently asked questions about AIMAP, as well as contact information is available at: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/sustainable-durable/index-eng.htm.
The PEI aquaculture industry provides and estimated 1,165 jobs and over $31.3 million in wages for Prince Edward Islanders. For more details on aquaculture in PEI please see the fact sheet and video available here: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/video-eng.htm#n01.
For Broadcast: The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, announced today the Government of Canada will invest almost $970,000 through the Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program (AIMAP) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to support three projects in Prince Edward Island. The goal of the AIMAP is to encourage an aquaculture sector that adopts innovative technologies and management techniques to enhance global competitiveness, sustainability and environmental performance.
-30-
For more information:
Krista Petersen
Communications Branch
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Gulf Region
Office: 506-851-7747
Barbara Mottram
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-992-3474
NR-G-12-01E
