News Release

LAMÈQUE (CNB) – The provincial government is investing $840,000 to assist in the rationalization of the traditional shrimp fleet in New Brunswick. Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Michael Olscamp and Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud made the announcement today.

"This is an exciting day for the traditional shrimp industry," said Olscamp. "This investment will help ensure the sustainability of a fishery that is contributing to the ongoing economic and social base of coastal communities and the province."

Jean Lanteigne, director general of Fédération Régionale Acadienne des Pêcheurs Professionnels Inc., and Paul-Orel Chiasson, of Association Coopérative des Pêcheurs de L’Île ltée, also participated in the announcement.

The provincial funds, from the Regional Development Corporation, represent 30 per cent of  the total investment with the remaining contributions coming from the harvesting and processing industries.

"Rationalization is a key step to guarantee the long-term viability of the shrimp industry," said Robichaud. "I am pleased to see industry working together to secure allocations to be shared among remaining shrimp fishermen and for the resource to be processed here in northern New Brunswick."

The Fisheries Renewal Framework outlines how balancing harvesting capacity with the availability of the resource is one of the ways government can support an industry-led strategy.

"We are pleased to have been able to successfully work with the provincial government on this important initiative," said Lanteigne. "The rationalization plan will make it possible for our shrimpers to remain viable."

The New Brunswick shrimp industry generates product sales of about $82 million a year.