The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), today marked the success of the Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program (AIMAP).
The goal of the Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program (AIMAP) is to improve the competitiveness and market value of the Canadian aquaculture industry by encouraging an aquaculture sector that continuously develops and adopts innovative technologies and management techniques to enhance its global competitiveness and environmental performance.
“The Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program is about to complete its second year and it is clear that the program is making a difference,” said Minister Shea. “By investing in projects such as these, our Government is strengthening an important industry that creates jobs for rural and coastal communities.”
This year, DFO funded 19 projects to a total of $2.3 million in Canada’s four Atlantic Provinces through AIMAP, part of the $9 million AIMAP has committed to the Canadian aquaculture industry over the last two years. For the next three years, AIMAP will be committing an additional $14.1 million in funding.
The Prince Edward Island aquaculture industry received support in the amount of $614,231. These projects focused on improving PEI’s already renowned mussel farming industry as well as innovations in growing halibut. Some of the four PEI projects funded also received contributions from the province of Prince Edward Island and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
"Providing funding through the Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program helps create and protect jobs,” said Minister Shea. “This funding demonstrates that we are taking strong action to help our economy navigate through these uncertain economic times."
AIMAP projects have proven successful at developing new tools and techniques for the industry. Brantville Aquaculture in Brantville, New Brunswick developed a unique gluing technique for oysters. King Aquaculture developed automated technology for treating oysters and oyster gear. These two projects in Eastern New Brunswick received a total of $113,000 in AIMAP funding his year.
A variety of other projects throughout Atlantic Canada also received AIMAP funding. In southwest New Brunswick, six projects received a total of $615,068 this year. Three projects in Nova Scotia received a total of $332,950. In Newfoundland and Labrador, four projects received a total of $663,950. ACOA is also contributing $82,000 to one project in Newfoundland and Labrador.
AIMAP encourages investments from a variety of public and private sector sources, promoting collaboration in Canada's aquaculture industry. Along with PEI’s contribution, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador also contributed monies in support of aquaculture projects in their respective provinces.
“The provincial government is pleased to partner with the federal government and the aquaculture industry in the continued growth, development and diversification of aquaculture in Prince Edward Island,” said Prince Edward Island Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair. “The industry is an important part of the rural economy, and is one of the industries targeted for support under the Rural Action Plan.”
For more information on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ aquaculture program and the AIMAP application process, visit: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/sustainable-durable/index-eng.htm.
BACKGROUNDER
Projects Funded Under the Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program (AIMAP) in Atlantic Canada for 2009-2010
Fisheries and Oceans Canada's (DFO) Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program (AIMAP) helps Canada's aquaculture industry enhance its sustainable performance by refining management techniques and technologies.
The goal of the Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program (AIMAP) is to improve the competitiveness and market value of the Canadian aquaculture industry by encouraging an aquaculture sector that continuously develops and adopts innovative technologies and management techniques to enhance its global competitiveness and environmental performance.
Funding by Province:
Four projects in Prince Edward Island received a total of $614,231 in funding from the Government of Canada through its Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program (AIMAP).
1. P.E.I. Mussel Farms Inc. of Morell received $150,000 in AIMAP funding for the development of a specialized underwater platform to clean mussel lines and treat them of invasive species. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is also contributing $150,000 to the development of the project.
2. The Prince Edward Island Aquaculture Alliance (PEIAA) received $265,966 in AIMAP funding to administer the development of treatment systems for mussel aquaculture to manage infestations. The province of Prince Edward Island contributed $70,193 to the project.
3. Coles Mussel Farms in Kensington received $38,265 through AIMAP to assemble technology that will increase the efficiency of tracking farmed mussels. This new tool will inform farm managers of the activities and treatments applied to each mussel line in real time.
4. Halibut PEI Inc. received $160,000 for the second phase of a project that focuses on growing halibut by using water wells and lobster holding facilities. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is contributing $300,000 to the development of the project. The province of Prince Edward Island contributed $168,000 to the project.
To date, AIMAP has committed to nearly $9.4 million in funding to the Canadian aquaculture industry over the last two years. For the next three years, AIMAP will be committing an additional $14.1 million in funding.
Please visit the following website for more information on DFO's aquaculture program, the AIMAP application process, a summary of projects already funded, frequently asked questions on AIMAP and contact information: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/sustainable-durable/innovation-eng.htm