Seafood Sector Funding Announced

NOTE: A list of companies that received funding follows this release.

The province is helping Nova Scotia's seafood industry grow.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau announced today, Nov. 15, more than $1.6 million is being invested to help producers diversify markets and enhance productivity.

The funding will also help the industry keep fish stocks healthy and productive.

"Nova Scotians appreciate the value of our primary industries," said Mr. Belliveau. "This investment will ensure our seafood industry has a strong presence globally while creating good jobs and growing the economy here at home."

The investment is part of $3.75 million in seafood industry funding provided through the Community Development Trust Fund and approved through the Seafood Sector Renewal Program.

"This program funding provided us with the opportunity to make our business more competitive," said Phil LeBlanc, president of IMO Foods. "It is important that we continue to look at new ways of doing business in order to remain strong in the marketplace."

The Seafood Sector Renewal Program supports projects that help the success and long-term growth of Nova Scotia's seafood industry. The program is open to seafood processors, harvesters, industry groups and organizations, seafood corporations and co-operatives.

The federal government started the $34.9-million Community Development Trust Fund in 2008 to help communities, sectors and workers hard hit by economic challenges.

More information on the seafood industry funding program is available at www.gov.ns.ca/fish/marine/ssrp .

Following is a list of companies awarded funds through the Seafood Sector Renewal Program:

Market Diversification

• Value Added Innovative Seafoods, Halifax
• North Nova Seafoods, Caribou, Pictou Co.
• I. Deveau Fisheries, Barrington Passage, Shelburne Co.
• Fundy Fresh Catch, Halifax

Seafood Quality and Innovation

• IMO Foods Ltd., Yarmouth, Yarmouth Co.
• A&L Seafoods Ltd., Louisbourg, Cape Breton Co.
• Petit de Grat Packers Ltd., Arichat, Richmond Co.
• Premium Seafoods Ltd., Arichat, Richmond Co.
• Royal Harbour Seafoods Inc., Meteghan, Digby Co.
• SRD International Ltd., Arichat, Richmond Co.
• R&K Murphy Enterprises, Lower Wedgeport, Yarmouth Co.
• North Nova Seafoods, Caribou, Pictou Co.
• Skipper Fisheries, Middle West Pubnico, Yarmouth Co.
• Northsyde Processing Ltd,. North Sydney, Cape Breton Co.
• Stoney Island Fisheries Ltd., Barrington Passage, Shelburne Co.

Eco-Labeling / Sustainability

• D'Eon Fisheries Ltd., West Pubnico, Yarmouth Co.
• Seafood Producers Association of Nova Scotia, Dartmouth, Halifax Regional Municipality
• Full Bay Scallop Association, Yarmouth, Yarmouth Co.
• SW Nova Tuna Association, Bridgewater, Queens Co.
• Affiliation of Seafood Producers of Nova Scotia, Eastern Nova Scotia
• Northsyde Processing Ltd., North Sydney
• Atlantic Halibut Council, Nova Scotia