Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador recently announced $26 million in funding to the provincial harvesting, processing and aquaculture sectors through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF).
The funding was aimed at supporting 134 projects that focused on modernizing technologies to improve quality of landings and increase productivity and sustainability in the fish and seafood sector of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Specifically, investments are being made in:
Harvesting — 110 projects for fish harvesters, to invest in innovative equipment and technologies that will advance onboard handling techniques and increase productivity and quality of products for local enterprises.
Processing — 17 projects targeting advancements in processing technologies, diversification and product quality improvements to improve competitiveness, thus adding value to the industry.
Aquaculture — Seven projects to support further growth of the salmonid and shellfish sectors, by investing in innovative technology to increase productivity, improve product quality and support growth and innovation in the supply and service sector.
The AFF will invest over $400 million over seven years to support Canada’s fish and seafood sector. For the fund, Atlantic provinces will cost share on projects with the federal government on a 70/30 basis over the life of the program.
