Cap-aux-Meules, Quebec - The fishing industry is an essential pillar of the economy and culture of the Magdalen Islands. In the face of significant environmental change, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is demonstrating innovation that will make our marine ecosystems more resilient and our coastal communities thrive.
Today, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced funding for multiple projects that will support the local industry. Projects will help fight against the spread of aquatic invasive species, protect our species at risk, and support Quebec's fishing industry.
First, Minister Lebouthillier joined the Government of Quebec to announce more than $1.1 million in funding for six projects in the Magdalen Islands under the Quebec Fisheries Fund. The Government of Canada will contribute $783,131, while the Government of Quebec will contribute $335,628. This funding will help create opportunities and improve the market value of sustainably harvested, high-quality fish and seafood in Quebec.
Minister Lebouthillier also announced the signing of a three-year $500,000 agreement with the Comité Zone d'Intervention Prioritaire (ZIP) des Îles-de-la-Madeleine under the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund. This agreement will mobilize initiatives to combat the spread of aquatic invasive species in the Magdalen Islands, including green crab and yellow tunicate.
Finally, the Minister announced the signing of a two-year contribution agreement worth over $168,000 with the Centre de recherche sur les milieux insulaires et maritimes (CERMIM), aimed at protecting right whales and species at risk in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, through the recovery of ghost fishing gear. The CERMIM will also create a program to educate fish harvesters about hazards caused by abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear.
