Ottawa has earmarked CAD 20 million that’ll help “small and medium-sized” salmon-farmers access clean technology that reduces environmental emissions, parliamentarians announced Monday.
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program aims to secure for the sector “improved processes, products and services,” a statement said. The government said the money will be available to fisherman and fish-farmers through to 2021.
“This program will accelerate the use of sustainable and more efficient tools, practices, and techniques in producing and harvesting Canadian seafood,” stated Fisheries Minister, Dominic LeBlanc.
Up to 75%
Those seeking to replace old aquaculture vessels or equipment will be able to apply for “market-ready” technology only and receive up to 75 percent of the project’s costs. Projects that include a new engine or cleaner salmon-farming equipment need to show that they’re already receiving some government money (up to 10 percent of the project cost).
“Potential projects could include helping fish harvesters convert their vessels to clean alternative fuels and reducing energy use on aquaculture sites,” Mr. LeBlenc said, adding, “The (Program) will provide funding to help a sector made up of primarily small and medium-sized businesses adopt innovative clean technologies that otherwise may not be possible.
“Many of these clean technologies are created right here in Canada,” Karen Ludwig said, although the chief executive of Norwegian equipment maker, Aqualine, had been invited to a recent Ottawa aquaculture event to mark the government’s rollout of what it sees as a modernized and streamlined model for aquaculture.
Modernize then streamline
SalmonBusiness expects the “streamlining” to be rolled-out soon after Grieg NL’s Newfoundland megaproject is finally through its approvals and legal process. The project — challenged successfully in provincial court buy making environmental headway — is seen by some as testing a regulatory framework exposed as somewhat overlapped and conflicted.
Meanwhile, an application form is already available for salmon-farmers seeking to upgrade or buy equipment using the new Clean Tech incentives. SalmonBusiness can confirm the document contains evidence that “improving aquaculture facilities” includes securing new processing plant.
