Government of Canada and Province of Prince Edward Island announce funding for 39 companies to help improve quality, productivity and sustainability in the provincial fish and seafood sector

From: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

News release

November 13, 2024

Covehead, Prince Edward Island - With the longest coastline in the world, Canada’s coastal communities rely on the fish and seafood industry as an integral contributor to local and regional economies. This is why the Government of Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island are supporting companies in the province, through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF).

Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, and the Honourable Zack Bell, Minister of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture for Prince Edward Island, today announced a total contribution of over $7.6 million to 39 companies to help support innovation and infrastructure improvements in the provincial fish and seafood sector.  Recipients are adopting new technologies, and improving product quality, labour productivity and processing techniques.

Funded by the federal and provincial governments, the $400 million AFF focuses on increasing opportunities and market value for sustainably sourced, high-quality fish and seafood products from Atlantic Canada.

Eligible projects must focus on:

  • Innovation – to support research and development of new innovations that contribute to sustainability of the fish and seafood sector, and to create partnerships and networks that aim to promote and encourage innovations in the sector;
  • Infrastructure – to adopt or adapt new technologies, processes, or equipment to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of the fish and seafood sector;
  • Science Partnerships – fisheries and aquaculture industry based partnerships with academia and institutions to enhance knowledge and understanding of the impacts of changing oceanographic conditions and sustainable harvesting technology. 

Quotes

“Innovation is essential for our fish and seafood companies to remain competitive. That's why the Government of Canada is committed to keeping this industry competitive and innovative through investments from the Atlantic Fisheries Fund. Supporting innovation and infrastructure in these local businesses will enable them to increase their productivity and promote their products here and abroad.”

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“The Atlantic Fisheries Fund has been an important initiative working to transform and drive innovation in the fish and seafood sectors. Prince Edward Island’s allocation has been almost fully subscribed which shows the commitment of both levels of government and industry to move the industry forward.  We need to maintain our momentum by continuing to invest in projects that support the sustainable development and growth of the seafood industry in Prince Edward Island.”

The Honourable Zack Bell, Minister of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Province of Prince Edward Island

"One of the goals of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund is to encourage modern and innovative ways to harvest, process and deliver high-quality, sustainably-sourced fish and seafood from the region’s commercial fishery and aquaculture sectors. By investing in innovation, infrastructure and science, we can improve the quality, sustainability and marketability of our fish and seafood, and improve the sector’s capacity to access new markets."

Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“The continued growth and success of the seafood industry on the Island is vital for the families and communities in the sector. These investments will help them continue to deliver the highest quality seafood products right here at home and across the world and improve the livelihoods of families in our communities for years to come.”

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Member of Parliament for Cardigan

“New technology and innovation will allow for a more prosperous fish and seafood sector, right here on Prince Edward Island. Today’s investment will help to increase productivity, efficiency and capacity to continue to grow this important sector that is so valuable to our economy.”

Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown

“There is no better place in the world to find fresh seafood, then Prince Edward Island. Our seafood sector – from the boat to the processing facility – is world class. Today’s announcement ensures that these 39 companies have what they need to spur innovation and continued excellence.”

Heath MacDonald, Member of Parliament for Malpeque

“The seafood sector is the backbone of our Island economy. I am proud that the Government of Canada continues to support this essential industry by providing necessary funding to promote innovation and efficiency and, in turn, high quality products.”

Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont

Quick facts

  • The Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF) will invest over $400 million over seven years to support Canada’s fish and seafood sector.

  • The Government of Canada provides 70% of the funding, with 30% coming from the Atlantic provinces.

  • Introduced in 2017, the AFF will continue to invest in projects until March 31, 2026 at which time all projects receiving funding must be completed. The commercial fisheries and aquaculture industry, Indigenous groups, universities and academia, and industry associations and organizations, including research institutions based in Atlantic Canada, may apply.

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Contacts

Andrew Richardson
Acting Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
andrew.richardson@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Toll-free program contact: 1-844-795-9718

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