Atlantic Canada fish farmers group gets $473K for 2-year project

The aquaculture industry in the Atlantic region is getting a financial boost from Ottawa to support a two-year project to "expand markets, strengthen sustainability and improve innovation" within the industry, ACOA announced Thursday in Saint John.

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency said in a news release that it's spending $473,000 from its Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program.

Wayne Long, MP for Saint John–Rothesay, said the initiative will allow the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association to attract new investments and strengthen global competitiveness. 

"The aquaculture industry absolutely checks every box that our government should be focused on, blue economy, sustainability, growing protein, employing people in coastal communities," he said.

Long said the project will involve organizing innovation forums and hosting workshops. It also involves sending 60 industry members to Trondheim, Norway, for the Aqua Nor global aquaculture exhibition later this year. 

Another 55 industry members will go to Boston for the 2025 Seafood Expo North America this weekend. 

"Events like that will give Atlantic Canadian fish and seafood companies the opportunity to showcase their products, connect with global buyers and expand into new lucrative markets," said Long. 

David Seeley, interim chair of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association, is heading to the Seafood Expo for his 13th year in a row. 

"There's truly nothing like it," said Seeley. "It's exciting and exhausting." 

The association represents 81 members, including finfish farmers, feed producers and industry partners in Atlantic Canada. 

The project has a total cost of $800,000, with just over 40 per cent funded by industry partners, the association said.