The Regroupement des pêcheurs professionnels du sud de la Gaspésie will be able to improve its technique for hatchery production of lobster larvae

Government of Canada grants financial assistance to Gaspésie organization

GASPÉ, QC, July 7, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Organizations and businesses need to be able to rely on adequate resources to create and commercialize innovative products. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovative Canadian enterprises. As a true economic driver, innovation is the key to success because it generates growth that benefits enterprises and communities.

Acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue, announced that the Regroupement des pêcheurs professionnels du sud de la Gaspésie Inc. has been granted $166,600 in financial assistance, in the form of a non-repayable contribution, to support lobster fishing activities by improving its technique for producing lobster larvae.

Established in 1982, the Regroupement des pêcheurs professionnels du sud de la Gaspésie (RPPSG) is a non-profit organization mandated to defend, protect and develop the economic, social and professional interests of its fisher members, as well as the resources on which the industry relies. The organization has been carrying out R&D projects since 2010 to meet its objectives. The acquisition of a technology from Scotland has helped the RPPSG develop unique expertise in hatchery rearing of lobsters.

The funding awarded through CED's Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP) will enable the RPPSG to increase its lobster rearing expertise and reach its 5% production goal for lobsters in the hatchery. The lobster seeding project is in keeping with the Marine Stewardship Council's eco-certification efforts, while encouraging innovation and the development of products and technologies that will be assets for the lobster fishing industry in Gaspésie. This project will help strengthen the capacity of Gaspésie fishers to achieve their potential in a sustainable manner.

CED is one of six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada supports job creation in clean technologies, investing an additional $100 million each year in this sector and an additional $200 million each year to support innovation and the use of clean technologies in the natural resources sector, notably in forestry, fishing, mining, energy and agriculture. I am pleased to support the Regroupement des pêcheurs professionnels du sud de la Gaspésie in its sustainable technology implementation project."

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue

"The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Canadian organizations that are focused on innovation because this ensures the sustainability of local organizations and continued employment in the region. Our goal in supporting the Regroupement des pêcheurs professionnels du sud de la Gaspésie in its project is to collaborate in order to deliver on our commitments and get results for Canadians."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"I am very pleased about today's announcement. The funding will definitely stimulate and nurture the lobster industry. Thanks to this major investment, this flagship industry will now enjoy modern, upgraded and sustainable facilities. There is no doubt that the entire Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region will benefit from the spinoff from the support for this project."

Sébastien Proulx, Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports, Minister responsible for the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region

"Gaspésie lobster fishers are working hard to ensure the sustainability of this resource and their fisheries, both by enforcing effective conservation measures and by practising sustainable, eco-certified fishing. They also want to implement innovative R&D projects, such as the seeding of lobsters produced in hatcheries. We thank the Government of Canada, which helped us purchase the Aquahive, an innovative nursery system designed specifically for lobsters. This system will help the RPPSG consolidate its expertise and improve the unique seeding and rearing strategy it has developed to reduce the impact of bycatch on lobster stocks."

O'Neil Cloutier, Director General, Regroupement des pêcheurs professionnels du sud de la Gaspésie Inc.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Source: Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Marie B. Deschamps, Presse attaché to the Minister of Education, Recreation and Sport, minister of Families and minister responsible for the Gaspésie--Îles-de-la-Madeleine region, Tél : [phone]