Technology Funds Partnering with Industry

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell has announced more than two dozen fisheries technology partnering projects aimed at improving fishing operations and providing jobs across the province.

Twenty-six proposals totalling more than $210,000 were recommended by staff under several of the department's technology development programs. The approved projects are aimed at such areas as harvesting methods.

"Innovation in fisheries technology is essential to keeping this industry productive," said Mr. Colwell. "If we pool our money with an applicant's money, those improvements will happen."

Shipping shrimp live is one of the projects to be developed. Since shrimp react adversely to large swings in temperature, the project looks to limit the fluctuations so the shrimp can be shipped to markets as far away as Japan.

Overall, the department predicts the combined projects will create about 145 short-term jobs with many more expected in the long run.

"Successful completion of these projects will help our coastal communities," said Mr. Colwell. "Each one of these projects builds on a strength in the community."

Under the programs, the department provides half of the required funding up to a fixed amount. The applicant provides the other half.