Climate Change Funding for Seafood Companies; Another Call for Applications

Press Release

Feb 28, 2025

Fourteen seafood companies and related organizations across the province are receiving funding to help reduce their carbon footprint.

The projects, supported through the Fisheries and Aquaculture Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund, range from the first zero-emission electric lobster boat in Canada to solar power at lobster and bait facilities.

“Addressing climate change continues to be a priority for our government,” said Kent Smith, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “Funding for these seafood organizations will help support our efforts to respond to climate change, reducing fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as reduce costs for industry.”

The fund is a $6.5-million, three-year program that supports new projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced by boats, buildings and other commercial fisheries and aquaculture operations.

The Province is now accepting applications for the fund’s second round. Examples of eligible projects include:

• adapting emerging electric and hybrid technology for fishing vessels and fleets
• installing renewable energy systems
• reducing emissions through equipment upgrades and new technology
• conducting research to enable future emission-reduction projects.

The deadline for applications is April 11.

Quotes:

“The fisheries and aquaculture industry plays a vital role in Nova Scotia, generating significant economic benefits and employment opportunities across the province. Energy efficiency improves these economic benefits through cost reductions, helping organizations enhance long-term productivity and competitiveness. When organizations invest in energy efficiency, they can improve equipment lifespans, increase operational resilience and solidify their position as a global leader in the industry.”
— Stephen MacDonald, President and CEO, EfficiencyOne

“This fund represents a direct investment into members of the Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance and the seafood sector to reduce their bottom line by increasing efficiency, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the biggest costs they have for operation – energy. At the same time, the reputational benefits of moving the industry to a low-emission model will elevate Nova Scotia seafood products above their competitors on the shelves in premium markets worldwide. This is a win-win for everyone involved.”
— Kris Vascotto, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance

“The Province’s support to build and demonstrate the first all-electric lobster boat is an important step in developing Membertou’s sustainable fishery for future generations. The electric boat will play an important role in building trust in battery-electric propulsion as a viable solution for decarbonizing Canada’s commercial fishery.”
— Chief Terry Paul, CEO, Membertou

Quick Facts:

• the Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board will make available $10 million over three years in dedicated lending to support eligible applicants
• the fund is a commitment in Our Climate, Our Future: Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth
• the Department of Energy provided $2 million to the fund

Additional Resources:

More information on the Fisheries and Aquaculture Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund is available at: https://www.efficiencyns.ca/business/business-types/agriculture/fisheries-and-aquaculture-energy-efficiency-innovation-fund/

Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board lending program: https://nsfishloan.ca/energy-efficiency

Our Climate, Our Future: Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth: https://climatechange.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/ns-climate-change-plan.pdf

Approved projects:

• Bill and Stanley Oyster Company Ltd. – $250,000 to implement an electric work boat and electric forklift at a shellfish farm
• BMC Seafoods Limited – $100,000 to implement an energy-efficient heat exchanger that will reduce electricity costs at a live lobster holding facility
• Brazil Rock Lobster Association – $100,000 to install solar and wind-power on 18-member lobster vessels
• Glas Ocean Electric – $198,225 towards a data logging study on five harbours/wharves which will involve 20 vessels
• Havre Boucher Seafoods Inc. – $250,000 to implement a fully electric aluminum work boat with vessel-to-grid charging capability at a shellfish farm
• Ignite (Atlantic) – $150,000 toward a study to develop a marine electrification roadmap for the communities of Digby and Sheet Harbour
• L. Walker Seafoods – $30,000 toward an energy efficient condenser with floating head pressure control at a live lobster holding facility
• Little Harbour Fisheries – $9,848 to install solar panels and convert energy usage to a renewable source at a bait storage facility
• Membertou Fisheries Inc. – $250,000 toward the first zero-emission electric lobster fishing boat in Canada
• NovaShell Fisheries – $70,000 toward an energy-efficient heat exchanger with floating head pressure control at a new live lobster holding facility
• R. Baker Fisheries Limited – $86,500 to install advanced refrigeration units that will reduce energy consumption at a seafood processing facility
• Red Fish Blue Fish Incorporated – $14,871 to install a solar photovoltaic system with battery storage at a commercial bait storage facility
• Strait of Canso Superport Corporation – $250,000 toward a charging station for electric vessels
• Yarmouth Bar Fisheries – $50,000 toward solar installation that will result in a net-zero seafood processing/live holding facility

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