For Immediate Release
Government of Canada and Province of Newfoundland and Labrador invests in technology to improve quality and productivity in the province’s fish and seafood sector
December 16, 2020 St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Canada’s fisheries are the backbone of so many coastal communities and a driving force in our national economy. At the same time, the seafood sector is a rapidly shifting environment – competition is intensifying, consumers are increasingly emphasizing sustainability and quality. This is why the Government of Canada and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador today is making strategic investments through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund. These funds will help the industry innovate, invest in new technology, and collaborate with scientists, marketers, and other institutions in order to maximize the value of their product.
The funding — a total contribution of more than $26 million — invests in 134 projects that focus on modernizing technologies to improve quality of landings and increase productivity and sustainability in the fish and seafood sector of Newfoundland and Labrador. This includes six projects in Labrador, totalling over $415,000 in infrastructure projects across the riding. These investments have helped support our fisheries and the livelihoods of many Labradorians.
Supporting the groundfish and sustainably growing the aquaculture sector continue to be key priorities.
Specifically, investments are being made in:
Funding these important initiatives will help transform the provincial fish and seafood sector, resulting in a positive impact on communities and local economies.
The contribution comes from the $400 million Atlantic Fisheries Fund, jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments, and focuses on increasing opportunities and market value for sustainably sourced, high-quality fish and seafood products from Atlantic Canada.
The Atlantic Fisheries Fund will continue to invest in projects over the seven-year life of the program. The commercial fisheries and aquaculture industry, Indigenous groups, universities and academia and industry associations and organizations, including research institutions, may apply.
Eligible projects must focus on:
“Canada’s seafood sector has so much to gain from innovation and technology. The projects we are funding in Newfoundland and Labrador will help create jobs, increase productivity, and strengthen sustainability practices for the long-term. This is about ensuring the women and men of the fisheries can get the maximum value for their product – now and for generations to come.”
The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“Here in Newfoundland and Labrador the fishery employs over 16,000 people in over 400 communities, and remains a significant contributor to the provincial economy. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada share many of the same goals and objectives with respect to growing the seafood sector and supporting our rural communities. This provides me with the assurance going forward that together we can achieve our objectives.”
The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
“We’re making our Province’s fishery more competitive and more sustainable by investing in new technology. This is how we create lasting economic economic opportunities here at home.”
The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South—Mount Pearl
"Many in Labrador depend on the fish and seafood sector to support their livelihoods. I am pleased to see this investment for the fish and seafood sector. Through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund, we are supporting the people that work in that sector to ensure that this industry continues to be prosperous well into the future.”
Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador
