The Canadian lobster industry will benefit from a federal investment of more than $2.3 million for lobster research in the provinces of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island under the Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF). The announcement was made today by Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

“The health and success of the lobster industry is important to the Atlantic Canadian economy,” said Mr. Keddy, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of ACOA. “Innovative research supported by ACOA’s AIF program is essential to the long-term success of this billion dollar industry. Innovation is a catalyst for increased trade, investment and productivity, and helps us attract and retain a highly skilled work force here in Nova Scotia. ”

The Atlantic Lobster Moult and Quality Project, being led by the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the University of Prince Edward Island, will explore ways to improve the quality of lobsters landed, primarily in south western Nova Scotia and in the Northumberland Strait.

The total project cost is estimated at $4.4 million with industry, community and provincial government partners providing support.

“The AVC Lobster Science Centre is a research facility dedicated to conducting lobster health research,” says Jerry Amirault, Chief Operating Officer, AVC Lobster Science Centre. “We are excited by the possibilities that AIF funding for this project brings in terms of advancing scientific knowledge related to lobster health and life cycles, and the role this knowledge can play in promoting the health and sustainability of the lobster industry in Atlantic Canada.”

The project is divided into five major activities including: field monitoring to collect biological data; developing a method to assess reproductive status of female lobster; gene discovery to identify molecular markers associated with moult and reproductive cycles; development of a biochemistry profile; and the establishment of a service unit within the AVC Lobster Science Centre to help increase post-harvest activity.

ACOA’s Atlantic Innovation Fund encourages the commercialization of research and development in Atlantic Canada and has been an important catalyst for many Atlantic Canadian businesses, universities and research institutions. It has helped build Atlantic Canada’s reputation for innovation and, through the success of the projects it has funded, has made significant contributions to the region’s research and development and economic performance.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of ACOA, today released the details of a project involving the regional lobster fishery that will receive more than $2.3 million in funding under ACOA’s Atlantic Innovation Fund.

The research and development project, being led by the AVC Lobster Science Centre located within the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island, will be conducted in south western Nova Scotia and the Northumberland Strait. The project will look at ways of applying the principles of veterinary medicine to the wild lobster fishery to develop a greater understanding of lobster health, including moulting and reproduction.

The Atlantic Innovation Fund is designed to increase Atlantic Canada’s ability to carry out leading-edge R&D and is helping to bring new knowledge, news jobs and new business opportunities to Atlantic Canada.

INFORMATION:

Lynn MacDonald				
ACOA PEI and Tourism
902-566-7491
Lynn.macdonald@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Charlotte McCardle/Trina Paquet
External Relations
Atlantic Veterinary College
University of Prince Edward Island
902-566-0533