Aquaculture Funding Creates Jobs in Atlantic Canada

The goal of the Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program (AIMAP) is to improve the competitiveness and market value of the Canadian aquaculture industry by encouraging an aquaculture sector that continuously develops and adopts innovative technologies and management techniques to enhance its global competitiveness and environmental performance.

“The Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program is about to complete its second year and it is clear that the program is making a difference,” said Minister Shea.

“By investing in projects such as these, our Government is strengthening an important industry that creates jobs for rural and coastal communities.”

This year, DFO funded 19 projects to a total of $2.3 million in Canada’s four Atlantic Provinces through AIMAP, part of the C$9 million AIMAP has committed to the Canadian aquaculture industry over the last two years. For the next three years, AIMAP will be committing an additional $14.1 million in funding.

The Prince Edward Island aquaculture industry received support in the amount of C$614,231. These projects focused on improving PEI’s already renowned mussel farming industry as well as innovations in growing halibut. Some of the four PEI projects funded also received contributions from the province of Prince Edward Island and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

"Providing funding through the Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program helps create and protect jobs,” said Minister Shea.

“This funding demonstrates that we are taking strong action to help our economy navigate through these uncertain economic times."

AIMAP projects have proven successful at developing new tools and techniques for the industry. Brantville Aquaculture in Brantville, New Brunswick developed a unique gluing technique for oysters. King Aquaculture developed automated technology for treating oysters and oyster gear. These two projects in Eastern New Brunswick received a total of C$113,000 in AIMAP funding his year.

A variety of other projects throughout Atlantic Canada also received AIMAP funding. In southwest New Brunswick, six projects received a total of C$615,068 this year. Three projects in Nova Scotia received a total of C$332,950. In Newfoundland and Labrador, four projects received a total of C$663,950. ACOA is also contributing C$82,000 to one project in Newfoundland and Labrador.

AIMAP encourages investments from a variety of public and private sector sources, promoting collaboration in Canada's aquaculture industry. Along with PEI’s contribution, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador also contributed monies in support of aquaculture projects in their respective provinces.

“The provincial government is pleased to partner with the federal government and the aquaculture industry in the continued growth, development and diversification of aquaculture in Prince Edward Island,” said Prince Edward Island Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair.

“The industry is an important part of the rural economy, and is one of the industries targeted for support under the Rural Action Plan.”