New research dollars from DFO
In its latest budget, the federal government gave the Department of Fisheries and Oceans additional resources for issues like the harmonization of the aquaculture regulatory regime, certification of fish products and aquaculture research. A recently announced program, the Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program (AIMAP), issued a call for proposals with a short deadline ending Friday June 20.
According to the Departments website, "The New Aquaculture Program initiative, which aims to help to create the conditions necessary for the success of the Canadian aquaculture industry by reducing some of the key constraints currently being faced by the sector, will contribute, under the AIMAP Program, aid to support and enhance the global competitiveness and environmental performance of Canada’s aquaculture industry. The overall goal of the AIMAP is to catalyze private sector and other investment in the aquaculture sector that will:- Improve the competitiveness of the Canadian aquaculture industry by encouraging an aquaculture sector that continuously develops and adopts innovative technologies and management techniques to enhance its global competitiveness and environmental performance; and
- Position Canadian aquaculture products as having high value in the market place based on their environmental performance, traceability and other considerations.
The AIMAP is a nationally competitive process with calls for proposals issued on an annual basis, and based on priorities established in consultation with sector stakeholders. The program will focus on short duration projects (1 year ideal; 3 years maximum) with demonstrable industry-wide benefits implemented by the end of the project."
