Deep-water mussel aquaculture project receives funding

Funding of $266,604 was announced today for early commercialization of submersible technology that will enable development of deep-water mussel aquaculture in areas exposed to Arctic ice in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The announcement was made by federal Fisheries Minister Gail Shea and Tom Hedderson, provincial Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

"When we invest in our aquaculture industry, we are investing in improved environmental performance and productivity, as well as sustainable jobs today and for years to come," Shea said.

Norlantic Processors Ltd. of Winterton received $221,090 under the federal Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program. The provincial government contributed $45,514 from its Aquaculture Strategic Development Program.

According to a news release, nearly all of the sheltered sites suitable for mussel culture on the northeast coast are currently licenced, so many of the existing growers are looking to develop farms into more exposed areas.

The deep-water site being developed by Norlantic Processors is the first of its kind in the province and the information gathered from this project will be transferable to other growers that plan to develop these types of ventures.

Due to the challenging climate in the province, mussel long-lines need to be submerged during winter months to avoid damage from rough seas, shore-fast ice movement and from northern pack ice in the spring. If successful, the utilization of deep water sites in Canada could greatly increase the potential number of sites and areas suitable for sustainable mussel aquaculture production.

Shea noted the federal government has committed $23.5 million over the next five years in the Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program (AIMAP) to support the development of the Canadian aquaculture industry.

Hedderson said the development of the deep-water mussel site on the northeast coast will be beneficial to the entire industry.

"One of the major objectives of the mussel industry in the province is to expand production," he said.
"The development of open-water sites will allow the industry to grow beyond its current levels of production, giving the industry the ability to expand into new markets."