October 2, 2012
Nanaimo, B.C. - The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced the Harper Government will invest in 11 British Columbia companies to encourage sustainable and innovative aquaculture projects in that province.
“The aquaculture industry is evolving world-wide,” said Minister Ashfield. “The funding announced today will ensure that Canada’s aquaculture industry continues to remain globally competitive, while enhancing economic prospects for Canadians.”
This investment of $1.25 million will support three finfish and eight shellfish aquaculture projects in B.C. The projects will improve the competitiveness of the Canadian aquaculture industry and encourage the development of innovative technologies and management techniques.
Recipents of the funding include: Bees Islets Growers, Island Scallops Limited, Island Sea Farms, Nova Harvest Limited, Nootka Sound Shellfish, Aphrodite’s Garden, Mac’s Oysters, B.C. Shellfish Growers Association, Sable Fish Canada, B.C. Salmon Farmers Association and Taste of B.C.
“The Harper Government is committed to supporting the sustainable development of Canada’s aquaculture industry, based on the best science available and within one of the most rigorous regulatory systems in the world,” said Minister Ashfield.
British Columbia’s aquaculture industry creates close to 6,000 jobs, resulting in $224 million in annual wages. About 740 aquaculture operations in B.C. produce salmon, other finfish and shellfish year-round, with a total harvested value of nearly $534 million.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada recently released Aquaculture in Canada 2012: A Report on Aquaculture Sustainability.This report documents current information related to the social, economic and environmental dimensions of aquaculture.
For more information on the Department’s aquaculture program, including the Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program, please visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s website
Backgrounder:
Government of Canada Invests in a Sustainable and Innovative Aquaculture Industry in British Columbia
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For more information:
Hannah Mahoney
Communications Advisor
Pacific Region
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
604-666-0903
Barbara Mottram
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
