CanNor funding benefits Nunavut fisheries

#Qikiqtarjuaq, #Nunavut, #Canada, #CanadianNorthernEconomicDevelopmentAgency,  #CanNorfundingbenefitsNunavutfisheries; #NunavutFisheriesAssociation, #NavdeepBains; #fisheriesresearch; #feasibilitystudies, 


Qikiqtarjuaq, NU, May 9 (Canadian-Media): Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is investing over $2.5 million dollars over four years in fisheries research project off the coast of Baffin Island, Nunavut to support the work of the Nunavut Fisheries Association, formerly known as the Nunavut Offshore Allocation Holders Association, announced May 8 by Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the Minister responsible for CanNo, media reports said.

“The Government of Canada has long supported the development of the fisheries sector in the North. By providing investments in research, training, and infrastructure we are helping to grow an industry worth millions and provide employment to those living in Northern communities,” said  Bains.

Since its creation, CanNor has invested more than $8 million in exploratory fisheries research and feasibility studies in the North resulting in increase in Northern fisheries quotas and expansion of the development of the industry.

Building of the previous research in the region, CanNor is investing $526,130 over two years to develop the inshore turbot fishing industry in Qikiqtarjuaq.

Government of Nunavut’s Department of Environment, in addition, is investing $369,720 and the Hamlet is in contributing $23,300, bringing the total for the project to $919,150.

CanNor funding for the two projects amounts to $2,593,900.

With the additional $393,020 from partners, both projects amount to a total of $2,986,920 in investment in Nunavut.

As well, a large walk-in energy efficient community freezer powered by green technology is being built to hold harvested fish.

“Science and research is the backbone of fisheries development and sustainability.  The Nunavut Fisheries Association (NFA) appreciates CanNor’s ongoing support for our research initiatives and its commitment to a multi-year research program.  The NFA is committed to the growth and development of the Nunavut fishery and increasing employment and socio-economic benefits for Nunavummiut,” Lootie Toomasie, A/Chair, Nunavut Fisheries Association said.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)