British Columbia businesses supported in clean technology adoption by Fisheries and Oceans Canada

News release

Vancouver, British Columbia - The adoption of clean technology and innovation is a key component to stronger and greener fisheries and aquaculture industries in Canada. Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced over $225,000 in funding from the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program to support clean economic growth for six British Columbia businesses.

Effingham Oysters Inc. will use the funds to install solar panels and energy storage batteries that will reduce diesel transport and consumption by two-thirds of its current use.

Nova Harvest Ltd. will reduce propane use by 95 per cent by reclaiming heat from water outflows with a heat-pump.

A new auxiliary engine and upgraded longline strengths at Salish Seas Fisheries will lead to reduced emissions and protect the environment by preventing the loss of hooks and lines at sea.

Bee Islets Growers Corp. will replace Styrofoam floatation billets with high density polyethylene floatation billets. This will reduce the environmental impact and provide proof of technology for other aquaculture operators to transition to this cleaner form of floatation support.

OM Harvesting Ltd. will use the funding to replace an outdated auxiliary boat engine. The new fuel efficient engine will result in fuel savings of 10 to 20 per cent while increasing dependability for operations in remote regions of the B.C. coast.

West Coast Fish culture will convert a diesel engine, used to wash nets, to an electric engine and replace an old tugboat engine with a high efficiency engine, resulting in reduced emissions and fuel and energy use.

The Province of British Columbia is an active partner in promoting the adoption of clean technologies into the fisheries and aquaculture sectors and contributed over $30,000 in funding to these environmentally friendly initiatives.

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program will provide up to $20 million over four years. The program will help Canada’s fisheries and aquaculture industries incorporate existing clean technologies into their day-to-day operations. Adopting the use of more sustainable and efficient tools, practices and techniques will reduce the potential environmental impact of their activities.

Parties interested in applying for funding can do so through the DFO website at: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/business-entreprises/factap-application-patppa-eng.htm.

Quotes

“Canada’s fisheries and aquaculture industries know the importance of environmental stewardship for the sustainability of our coastal waters. We’re pleased that through this program, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is able to help these businesses decrease their environmental impact.”

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., Q.C., M.P.,
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“These projects will help energize the growth and production of B.C. seafood products and extend the reputation B.C. has for sustainable aquaculture and fishery practices. The improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental footprints are one more reason to buy B.C. seafood, enjoy its quality, and support jobs and communities along our coast.”

The Honourable Lana Popham
Minister of Agriculture, British Columbia

"Strengthening our economy for the long-term will require us to be innovative in our approach to using our natural resources. These investments will help our fisheries and aquaculture industries further protect our environment, and become more sustainable, by adopting clean technology solutions."

Terry Beech, M.P., Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

Quick facts

Effingham Oysters Inc. received $37,313 to support energy savings.
Salish Seas Fisheries received $34,470 to reduce their environmental impact and fuel consumption.
Bee Islets Growers received $43,125 to reduce their environmental impact.
OM Harvesting Ltd. received $41,063 to increase fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Nova Harvest received $33,535 to reduce dependency on propane.
West Coast Fishculture received $37,246 to support energy saving and emissions reduction.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program on December 18, 2017.
The program will provide up to $20 million over four years (2017-2021) to help Canada’s fisheries and aquaculture industries incorporate existing clean technologies into their day-to-day operations.
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program is part of a commitment in Budget 2016 of over $1 billion to support clean technology in Canada’s natural resource sectors.