According to the news available the authorities have been able to secure matching funding from the Federal Government for a total of $10 million in aquaculture infrastructure funding over the next two years. It is said that the level of aquaculture industry production in this province has doubled over the last four years. This has necessitated the need for more infrastructure to support a fast growing industry.
The government has fulfilled its commitment and provides more aquaculture infrastructure on the south coast of the province. Earlier this year, the authorities had a report commissioned entitled the Marine Infrastructure Study for the Salmonid Aquaculture Industry prepared by Rutter Hinz Inc. The process of developing the report involved extensive industry and community consultation.
The report has been shared with the aquaculture industry and communities on the south coast during this past week. It states that the operational and biosecurity needs of the industry and provides a full suite of measures to address the industry’s infrastructure needs. The report focuses around three areas; existing wharves, new in-flow wharves and feed storage facilities.
There are number of projects that need to be completed, at a total cost of more than $24 million. The government is moving forward with four new projects in the near future. Those will be in-flow wharves at Hermitage, Pool’s Cove, Belleoram (St. Jacques’) and Harbour Breton. Based on initial estimates, the $10 million budgeted will cover the cost of these four projects.
