Recently awarded grants from Innovation PEI will help Prince Edward Island seafood processors store greater numbers of live lobsters during peak landing periods.
The projects will add more than a half-a-million pounds to the province’s total lobster holding capacity, which is approximately 2.3 million pounds.
Being able to hold live lobster for a longer period gives processors more flexibility to adjust their production to meet existing labour supply.
Lobster holding capacities will be increased at Acadian Supreme Inc., Colville Bay Oyster Co. Ltd., Royal Star Foods Ltd., JMK Fish Mart Co., and Basin View Seafood Inc.
Economic Development and Tourism Minister Heath MacDonald explained the project, saying: “Innovation PEI is responding to the industry’s needs by providing grants to five projects that will enhance our province’s live lobster holding capacity, enhancing our exports and supporting the economies in our rural communities while building our reputation as “Canada’s Food Island.”
Innovation PEI has contributed more than $224,000 in grants to the Live Lobster Holding Program since it began in March 2015, with the remaining $2.2 million coming from the private sector.
source: Province of Prince Edward Island