News release

Fishery Funding Supports Quality, COVID-19 Protections

Fisheries and Aquaculture

NOTE: A list of organizations and funding amounts follows the release

Nova Scotia’s fish and seafood industry supports about 18,000 direct jobs and was last valued at $2.3 billion, representing 38 per cent of the province’s exports.

That’s why the province, in partnership with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, is providing close to $45 million to help the Nova Scotia seafood sector be more effective and sustainable. The funding is from the Atlantic Fisheries Fund.

“Nova Scotia’s seafood quality is world-renowned and this support for our fishery sector will enhance equipment, innovation, productivity and COVID-19 protections,” said Keith Colwell, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “It will help our seafood industry remain safe and sustainable and provide top-quality seafood products to the world. We are excited to join with our federal partners in making these important investments.”

The funding will help Nova Scotian seafood organizations provide high-quality seafood products and modernize amid COVID-19. It will also produce local economic benefits and help grow the Nova Scotia economy.

Mr. Colwell and the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bernadette Jordan, made the funding announcement virtually today, Feb. 4.

Quotes:

“Innovation in the seafood sector is critical to the ongoing growth and success of our fisheries and coastal and Indigenous communities across Atlantic Canada. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented our fisheries with unique challenges and the Atlantic Fisheries Fund is well-positioned to help industry respond to these challenges and move forward.”

– Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

Quick Facts:

  • the total funding of $44,716,544 from the Atlantic Fisheries Fund will support 11 projects that benefit seafood processors and associations
  • the funding comes from the $400 million Atlantic Fisheries Fund, used to transform and drive innovation in the fish and seafood sector and to help grow existing and emerging markets
  • the Atlantic Fisheries Fund helps the seafood sector meet growing market demands for products that are high quality, value-added and sustainably sourced. Any member of the fish and seafood sector may apply for funding.

Additional Resources:

To apply for assistance from the Atlantic Fisheries Fund: https://novascotia.ca/fish/funding-programs/atlantic-fisheries-fund/

Investments will include:

  • $4,466,089 for Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia to maximize the productivity of shellfish sites
  • $6,166,547 for Brazil Rock 33/34 Lobster Association to create functioning live wells on lobster vessels for improving quality
  • $1,262,400 for Canso Seafoods to provide innovative equipment for new product lines
  • $3 million for Cape d’Or Sustainable Seafoods to help expand capacity of land-based certified organic salmon farm
  • $3,081,830 for Coldwater Lobster Association for lobster quality enhancement projects, as well as holding and aeration
  • $14,453,234 for Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance to support equipment and innovation activities for members
  • $1,795,650 for Perennia Food and Agriculture to support COVID-19 response in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors
  • $1,178,550 for Perennia Food and Agriculture to help expand export markets for premium quality seafood
  • $3,750,000 for Scotia Harvest Inc. to help provide a new processing facility for groundfish processing
  • $4 million for Sustainable Fish Farming (Canada) Ltd. to help expand capacity to 1,000 metric tonnes of land
  • $1,562,244 for Victoria Co-Op Fisheries to help provide modernization of processing facilities and equipment to achieve British Retail Consortium certification

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