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Fisheries Minister Tom Hedderson said one of the major objectives of the mussel industry in NL is to expand production. (Photo: Stock File/DFO)
Investments earmarked for deep water mussels
CANADA
Tuesday, May 19, 2009, 02:10 (GMT + 9)
Funds worth CAD 266,604 (USD 228,413) will be utilised for the development and early commercialization of deep water mussel aquaculture technologies to be used around Arctic areas in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). The project was announced by Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Tom Hedderson, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
“Our government is committed to working with the aquaculture sector in Canada to develop and adopt innovative technologies and management techniques,” said Shea. “When we invest in our aquaculture industry, we are investing in improved environmental performance and productivity, as well as sustainable jobs today and for years to come.”
“This is why the Government of Canada committed CAD 23.5 million (USD 20.1 million) over the next five years in Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program (AIMAP) to support the development of a vibrant and sustainable Canadian aquaculture industry that contributes to the economies of rural, coastal and Aboriginal communities,” she added.
The sum of CAD 221,090 (USD 189,419) was allotted to Norlantic Processors Ltd. of Winterton under the federal Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program that endorses innovative aquaculture investments on far-reaching short-term projects. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador contributed CAD 45,514 (USD 38,994) through the Aquaculture Strategic Development Program, which has been allocated CAD 330,000 (USD 282,728) from the province's 2009 budget.
“The development of the deep water mussel site on the northeast coast will be beneficial to the entire industry,” said Minister Hedderson. “One of the major objectives of the mussel industry in the province is to expand production. The development of open water sites will allow the industry to grow beyond its current levels of production, giving the industry the ability to expand into new markets.”
Growers have become interested in farming in open areas due to the scarcity of unlicensed sites on the north-eastern coast. Since the new deep water site is experimental, its results will be crucial for other growers interested in developing their own farms in exposed areas.
The idea is to adapt the mussel aquaculture technology to deeper waters, which, due to violent winter and spring weather conditions, must be submerged. For two seasons, it has been fruitful to sink the lines, prompting Norlantic Processors to consider commercialising the device.
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- Further financial boost for aquaculture
By Natalia Real
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com
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