Projects aimed at boosting innovation in the fish and seafood sector

In Nova Scotia, one in every five jobs is linked to the ocean, and healthy oceans mean a healthy, thriving and growing Canadian economy.

Which is why the government of Canada and the province of Nova Scotia announced funding on Oct. 22 to support to nine enterprises in the Nova Scotia fish and seafood sector through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund. These projects will help innovate and grow the local economy all while protecting the environment.

Coldwater Lobster Association (CLA) will conduct a pilot study on the effectiveness and practicality of rope-less fishing gear technology for the commercial lobster industry within lobster Fishing Area 34 (LFA 34). The fishing area includes all of Yarmouth County and parts of Shelburne and Digby counties. CLA is partnering with an oceans technology company to test and evaluate rope-less fishing gear, acoustic receivers and related technology. This technology could help reduce some risks to the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale population, as well as for other marine mammals.

IMO Foods Limited in Yarmouth will upgrade its seafood canning operations by installing a new processing system to improve productivity that will help reduce energy consumption and lower emissions. In addition, this new technology will help meet evolving food safety requirements and help the company expand to international markets.

Eel Lake Oyster Limited in Yarmouth County will adopt new oyster grading technology that can be used on a barge while still on the water, allowing it to streamline its aquaculture operations and improve the quality of its product. Beyond this, its operations will become more sustainable through the use of solar energy to power this new technology.

Six tuna fishing enterprises will purchase and install new “greenstick” trolling equipment on their vessels, allowing them to adopt more efficient tuna fishing practices. The “greenstick” technology allows harvesters to reduce unwanted by-catch, maximize productivity of fishing practices and ensure higher quality of the product.

Funding for these projects includes about $573,000 through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund, along with a $195,000 repayable contribution (for IMO Foods Limited, specifically) through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Business Development Program.