Federal minister, Gail Shea, visited the Maritime Heritage Centre and announces $930,000 in funding for six aquaculture projects. The minister also told that investing in a stronger aquaculture sector means investing in more jobs and new business opportunities for communities throughout coastal B.C., including Campbell River.
Gail also said that the goal is to make the Canadian aquaculture industry stronger, more innovative and more environmentally sustainable. The funding announcement – combined with $848,000 from the B.C. Government – was made at the Maritime Heritage Centre, home to the historical commercial fishing boat, the BCP 45, which provided a picturesque backdrop for the minister.
The minister informed that there is no announcement of more fishing days for the commercial fleet, which has seen opportunities to catch salmon reduced to just a few days, or even hours, a year.
According to Shea the main job is to protect wild fisheries while defending her government’s commitment to wild stocks by pointing out the $26 million they provided to salmon enhancement programs and $8.8 million given to salmon hatcheries. She said that work is continuing behind the scenes between the two levels of government and the court provided one year to conduct the transfer.
Minister Shea announced funding for two shellfish projects. The shellfish growers association receives $100,000 to test a rototiller-like device to harvest Manila clams, which is currently done by hand digging. She also announced the funding for these other four projects.
