CANADA - Campbell River, BC – The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced funding today for four innovative Vancouver Island aquaculture projects, including a project to develop closed-containment technology. In total, the four projects will receive over $925,000 in federal government funding.
Fisheries and Oceans Minister Keith Ashfield announced more than $900,000 in Government of Canada funding Jan. 9 in support of four innovative aquaculture projects on Vancouver Island. Pictured with the Minister are representatives for the projects receiving federal funding – Chief Bill Cranmer of the 'Namgis First Nation; Brian Yip of Fanny Bay Oysters and Simon Yuan of Maplestar Seafood Ltd.
“Our government is committed to enhancing the global competitiveness, economic prospects and environmental performance of Canada’s aquaculture industry. The industry is developing new technologies that will make our country a world leader in aquaculture and create jobs and opportunities here at home,” said Minister Ashfield. “We are proud that our government can play a role in supporting this innovation.”
The federal funding announced today, and provided through the Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program (AIMAP), is supporting two finfish and two shellfish aquaculture projects in B.C. These projects are designed to help the industry expand its market potential through new technologies.
The companies receiving project funding are: the ‘Namgis First Nation (near Port McNeill), Pfizer Animal Health (Saanichton), Fanny Bay Oysters (Union Bay) and Maplestar Seafood (Nanoose Bay).
AIMAP is intended to support innovation and sustainability in the aquaculture industry across Canada. Nationally, aquaculture production has increased four-fold in the past 20 years. Approximately 70 per cent of all Canadian aquaculture products are sold to foreign markets, and the world increasingly depends on aquaculture as an essential source of nutrition. In fact, globally, half of all fish and seafood consumed is now farmed.
“The B.C aquaculture industry currently provides an estimated 6,000 jobs and over $224 million in wages for British Columbians,” said Minister Ashfield. “As Canada’s aquaculture industry continues to expand, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting responsible growth that provides economic benefits to Canadians.”
More information on DFO’s aquaculture program, the AIMAP application process, a summary of projects funded, frequently asked questions about AIMAP, as well as contact information, is available at: Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program.
