$38 million invested in fisheries and aquaculture sectors

Press Release

MONCTON (GNB) – The provincial and federal governments are investing a combined $38 million in the province’s seafood sector to support the adoption of innovative technologies aimed at improving efficiency, seafood quality and sustainability.

“Our fisheries and aquaculture sectors drive a $1.7-billion industry that supports the economy and sustains rural, coastal and Indigenous communities in New Brunswick,” said Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Pat Finnigan. “The Atlantic Fisheries Fund allows harvesters and processors to modernize their operations, adopt innovative practices and improve productivity. We are firmly committed to supporting the long-term sustainability and resilience of these sectors.”

The provincial and federal governments both contribute to the fund.

“Investments through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund help our coastal communities thrive in the fishing and seafood sector,” said Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard Minister Diane Lebouthillier. “We are proud to contribute to innovative and new technologies to help make the sector more sustainable, efficient and ensure that our seafood is of the highest quality for the global seafood market.”

The funding will support new infrastructure, innovation and scientific partnerships in:

• Processing: 32 projects will advance the development and adoption of processing technologies and product quality to improve competitiveness and add value for the industry.
• Aquaculture: 21 projects will enable the adoption of new technology and processes to support sustainable development of the oyster, salmon and arctic char aquaculture sectors.
• Harvesting: 16 projects will procure new equipment and develop technologies to improve onboard handling techniques, data collection and monitoring to maintain product quality and sustainable fisheries.
• Multi-sector initiatives: Four projects, spanning multiple sectors, will help companies adopt and develop new technologies and support industry.

The Atlantic Fisheries Fund has fostered innovation and sustainability in the seafood sector since its launch in 2017. It concludes on March 31, 2026.

Media Contact(s)

Nick Brown, communications, Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, nick.brown@gnb.ca.

Andrew Richardson, communications, Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, andrew.richardson@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

Media relations, Maritimes region, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 902-407-8439, media.maritimesregion@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

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