Porcupine crab. (Photo Credit: NOAA)
CANADAWednesday, January 14, 2015, 01:00 (GMT + 9)
Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and Minister for the Arctic Council, announced funding for three fisheries science and research projects in Nunavut. These investments will improve knowledge about fish stocks, contribute to the sustainability of the industry and support economic opportunities and job creation in Nunavut's fisheries sector.
Through these investments, research will be examining northern shrimp, Greenland halibut, turbot and char populations off Nunavut. It will also go toward research assessing the commercial viability of porcupine crabs and the Qikiqtarjuaq clam harvest. These projects will contribute extensively to knowledge about Nunavut's marine resources and help inform decisions about sustainable resource management.
The total funding amount for this announcement is CAD 7,200,641 (USD 6.1 million), with the Government of Canada investing CAD 4,306,472 (USD 3.6 million).
In 2013-14, the total market value of Nunavut's fishery was CAD 86 million (USD 72.4 million) with 370 people employed seasonally in the offshore and inshore fisheries.
Working with its federal, territorial, industry and aboriginal community partners, CanNor has invested more than CAD 6 million (USD 5 million) in Nunavut's fishing industry since 2010.
"Our Government is proud to invest in the development of a vibrant fishing industry in Nunavut. Our support for new research in the sector will increase economic opportunities and job creation while developing Nunavut's fisheries in a sustainable way that benefits all Nunavummiut," said minister Aglukkaq.
"Our Government is committed to foster growth of Nunavut's fishing industry. That is why we invested CAD 40.5 million (USD 34.1 million) to build the first commercial fishing harbour in Nunavut and are now investing in scientific research. This science will help to identify current and future opportunities in Nunavut's fishing industry, ensuring its sustainability in the long term," stated Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Gail Shea.
Through these investments, research will be examining northern shrimp, Greenland halibut, turbot and char populations off Nunavut. It will also go toward research assessing the commercial viability of porcupine crabs and the Qikiqtarjuaq clam harvest. These projects will contribute extensively to knowledge about Nunavut's marine resources and help inform decisions about sustainable resource management.
The total funding amount for this announcement is CAD 7,200,641 (USD 6.1 million), with the Government of Canada investing CAD 4,306,472 (USD 3.6 million).
In 2013-14, the total market value of Nunavut's fishery was CAD 86 million (USD 72.4 million) with 370 people employed seasonally in the offshore and inshore fisheries.
Working with its federal, territorial, industry and aboriginal community partners, CanNor has invested more than CAD 6 million (USD 5 million) in Nunavut's fishing industry since 2010.
"Our Government is proud to invest in the development of a vibrant fishing industry in Nunavut. Our support for new research in the sector will increase economic opportunities and job creation while developing Nunavut's fisheries in a sustainable way that benefits all Nunavummiut," said minister Aglukkaq.
"Our Government is committed to foster growth of Nunavut's fishing industry. That is why we invested CAD 40.5 million (USD 34.1 million) to build the first commercial fishing harbour in Nunavut and are now investing in scientific research. This science will help to identify current and future opportunities in Nunavut's fishing industry, ensuring its sustainability in the long term," stated Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Gail Shea.