MONCTON (GNB) – Seven projects in New Brunswick’s oyster industry will benefit from a combined investment of $1.2 million from the provincial and federal governments.
“New Brunswick’s shellfish industry has been an exciting area of growth over the last few years,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Bill Fraser, who is also minister responsible for the Miramichi Regional Economic Development and Innovation Fund. “We praise the ingenuity of these companies as they contribute to the economic fabric of our rural coastal communities and help move New Brunswick forward.”
“Our government’s support will help to ensure oyster cultivators in our region remain competitive and seize new business opportunities,” said Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP Robert Goguen. “These investments are a prime example of how our government is working to help communities sustain industries and achieve long-term prosperity.”
Goguen participated in the announcement for Rob Moore, minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
The seven oyster companies involved are:
- Acadian Bay Enterprises Inc., Sainte-Anne-de-Kent;
- Cape Oysters Ltd., Dieppe;
- Aquador Oysters Inc., Aldouane;
- R & D Shellfish Ltd., Cocagne;
- King Aquaculture Inc., Richibucto-Village;
- Mauril Bastarache, Bouctouche; and
- Norm’s Oyster Farm Ltd., Richibucto-Village.
The provincial government is investing $377,247 through the Miramichi Regional Economic Development and Innovation Fund, while the federal government is providing repayable contributions totaling $893,456 through ACOA’s Business Development Program. The investments will support operational expansions, increased efficiencies, increased sales opportunities and productivity improvements.
In 2013, New Brunswick produced 790 tons of farmed shellfish – 93.5 per cent included oysters valued at more than $5.6 million.
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