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Funding will enhance B.C.’s reputation for sustainable aquaculture and fishery practices says Lana Popham, BC Minister of Agriculture
By Taz Bacchus
SeaWestNews
Ottawa has announced over $225,000 in funding from the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program to support clean economic growth for six British Columbia businesses.
“These projects will help energize the growth and production of B.C. seafood products and extend the reputation B.C. has for sustainable aquaculture and fishery practices,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture for British Columbia (pictured)
“The improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental footprints are one more reason to buy B.C. seafood, enjoy its quality, and support jobs and communities along our coast,” she said.
Effingham Oysters Inc. will use the funds to install solar panels and energy storage batteries that will reduce diesel transport and consumption by two-thirds of its current use.
Nova Harvest Ltd. will reduce propane use by 95 per cent by reclaiming heat from water outflows with a heat-pump.
A new auxiliary engine and upgraded longline strengths at Salish Seas Fisheries will lead to reduced emissions and protect the environment by preventing the loss of hooks and lines at sea.
Bee Islets Growers Corp. will replace Styrofoam floatation billets with high density polyethylene floatation billets. This will reduce the environmental impact and provide proof of technology for other aquaculture operators to transition to this cleaner form of floatation support.
OM Harvesting Ltd. will use the funding to replace an outdated auxiliary boat engine. The new fuel efficient engine will result in fuel savings of 10 to 20 per cent while increasing dependability for operations in remote regions of the B.C. coast.
West Coast Fish culture will convert a diesel engine, used to wash nets, to an electric engine and replace an old tugboat engine with a high efficiency engine, resulting in reduced emissions and fuel and energy use.
The Province of British Columbia is an active partner in promoting the adoption of clean technologies into the fisheries and aquaculture sectors and contributed over $30,000 in funding to these environmentally friendly initiatives.
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program will provide up to $20 million over four years. The program will help Canada’s fisheries and aquaculture industries incorporate existing clean technologies into their day-to-day operations. Adopting the use of more sustainable and efficient tools, practices and techniques will reduce the potential environmental impact of their activities.
Parties interested in applying for funding can do so through the DFO website at: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/business-entreprises/factap-application-patppa-eng.htm.
“Canada’s fisheries and aquaculture industries know the importance of environmental stewardship for the sustainability of our coastal waters. We’re pleased that through this program, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is able to help these businesses decrease their environmental impact,” said Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
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