Prince Edward Island is renowned for its seafood, and with today’s technology, people all over the world can enjoy fresh PEI lobster year round. Live holding tanks allow the lobster to be held longer while maintaining the same quality as the day it was caught. Operated by a fishing family, Basin View Seafood Inc. plans to capitalize on the growing demand and increase its capacity to supply live lobster locally and across Canada.
The Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, today announced combined government support for Basin View Seafood Inc. to upgrade recirculation technology in its holding tanks.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, is providing a repayable contribution of $42,650 for this project. The Province of PEI is providing $75,530 for this project, through Finance PEI ($67,000 repayable loan) and Innovation PEI’s Live Lobster Holding Program ($8,530), as was previously announced, to purchase equipment, including the recirculation technology.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is proud to support entrepreneurs who demonstrate dedication to growing their businesses and our local economy. A recipient of the 2015 Best New Business award by the Kensington & Area Chamber of Commerce, Basin View Seafood has shown leadership in today’s marketplace. Expanding the export of a premium Island product is essential to the sustainability of the fishing industry—a driving force in the rural economy in many areas of the Province.”
- The Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque
“Our Government is committed to supporting Island businesses like Basin View Seafood Inc., which is expanding its business to meet growing demands and increase capacity, while maintaining the quality of its seafood products. By investing in recirculation technology, the company is leading by example to ensure it is economical and environmentally savvy within the aquaculture industry. The economic prosperity of Prince Edward Island is directly linked to the success of Island businesses, and we are proud to support Basin View Seafood Inc.”
- The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism
“The purchase of this energy efficient equipment has allowed us to more than double our live lobster holding capacity, giving us the ability to meet increasing local market demands as well as our growing export opportunities across the country. This new technology allows us to monitor our product and water quality continuously, ensuring our customers receive the high quality product they deserve. We are very grateful that ACOA and the Province of PEI have these types of programs available for small to medium size businesses, helping to ensure business growth”
- Mitch Jollimore, President of Basin View Seafood Inc.