Hunstman receives over $6 million

The first project includes the installation of a new salt-water system that will more than double the Huntsman’s water supply, allowing the facility to expand in all aspects of its operations. Through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Government of Canada is investing $2 million under the Innovative Communities Fund, while the Province of New Brunswick is investing $1.15 million and the Huntsman $350,000.

Karen Ludwig, MP for New Brunswick Southwest, helped make the announcement.

“As the growth in demand for aquaculture products continues, so too do consumer expectations for sustainable management practices. This creates a challenge for aquaculture companies to continue to provide a safe, healthy and sustainable seafood supply in a manner that minimizes the impact on the environment. Science and innovation are at the heart of meeting this challenge and thanks to these investments from the Government of Canada, the Huntsman Marine Science Centre will continue to make an important contribution to advancing the development of sustainable aquaculture practices that will benefit the Atlantic region and indeed, the entire country,” she said in a media release.  

With an investment of nearly $3 million under the Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF), a second project aims to further develop and improve selective broodstock development services for salmon and other aquaculture species. Funding by the AIF will be joined by over $1 million from Northern Harvest Sea Farms.

“Northern Harvest Sea Farms is committed to investing in research and innovation in support of the sustainable and responsible development of the aquaculture sector in New Brunswick and the Atlantic region," said Larry Ingalls, President of Northern Harvest.

"This partnership with the Huntsman will enhance the work of our company to bring locally grown high quality products to a global market,” he added.

Established in 1969 and located in St Andrew’s NB, the Huntsman is a non-profit research, education and tourism institution, focused on aquatic science. It is one of the largest employers in southwest New Brunswick with 47 employees, many with advanced degrees.

“The Huntsman has played a significant role in research, development, and education related to our marine and coastal communities since we were founded in 1969. These investments today are not only recognition of our successes, but also a demonstration of our tremendous potential," said Fraser Walsh, Chairman of the Board at Huntsman.

Further investments

Since January 2016, the Government of Canada through ACOA, has announced investments of over $30.6 million for 14 innovation and R&D projects in the Atlantic region.

According to the news release, another $7.7+ million in investments will be announced over the coming weeks, bringing ACOA’s total investments for innovation projects in 2016 to over $38 million.

“Innovation is the path to inclusive growth. It fosters a thriving middle class and opens our country to new economic, social and environmental possibilities and is essential in shaping our future. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects like the ones being undertaken by the Huntsman Marine Science Centre, which are leading the way in marine research and development,” said the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.