The Northern Ontario Aquaculture Association (NOAA) will develop a demonstration farm that will help boost the province's fish-farming industry.
The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp. (NOHFC) has granted the organization $303,836 through the Infrastructure and Community Development Program for a number of initiatives, including a demonstration farm that will help the organization determine the ideal environment for growing fish.
NOAA executive director Karen Tracey expressed her gratitude for the funding in a news release, noting the benefits to the province's economy and agri-food sector.
“Anticipated goals include additional aquaculture-related jobs, increased economic benefits for the province of Ontario, innovative environment initiatives and sustainable growth of an agri-food sector producing healthy food sources,” she said.
Specifically, the association will work to create local hatcheries, develop and review certification standards for the industry, increase consumer awareness about farmed fish, and build new partnerships with potential investors.
“I commend the fish farmers in the Manitoulin LaCloche region for their hard work and dedication to this industry,” Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Mike Brown said in the release. “Our funding will help the Northern Ontario Aquaculture Association continue to play an important role in promoting the efficient and sustainable development of this important sector.”
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