The Provincial Government is providing $882,581 to 360 Marine Ltd. to support the development of an innovative sea-lice treatment system designed for use on smaller vessels.
Based in Harbour Breton, 360 Marine provides marine services to Newfoundland and Labrador’s aquaculture industry. The company is undertaking a 21-month research and development project to develop and validate a compact, vessel-based sea lice treatment system.
The new system will combine proven fish-pumping and treatment technologies in a new configuration designed for deployment on a smaller, multi-use vessel. The project aims to increase sea lice treatment capacity and improve operational efficiency while supporting fish health services for the aquaculture industry.
The project is expected to create four new full-time positions to support research and testing activities and contribute to the retention and development of technical expertise in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Provincial support is complemented by an additional $3.55 million in public and private investment for the project. This includes $750,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) as well as advisory services and up to $144,876 in research and development funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP).
The project builds on 360 Marine’s existing experience providing services to the aquaculture industry and is intended to support future commercialization opportunities and growth within the company’s marine services operations.
The Provincial Government’s support for the project reflects its focus on helping Newfoundland and Labrador businesses innovate, strengthen their competitiveness and create economic opportunities. It also aligns with our government’s platform commitment to invest in local research that drives sustainable solutions.
Quotes
“Newfoundland and Labrador companies are developing innovative solutions to challenges facing industries here at home and around the world. Our investment in 360 Marine will help the company build on its expertise in the aquaculture sector, strengthen its research and development capacity and pursue new opportunities for growth. Investments like this support good jobs, strengthen regional economies and help Newfoundland and Labrador businesses bring new ideas to market.”
Honourable Lin Paddock
Minister of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development
“Our government is committed to a strong aquaculture industry that is sustainable and provides economic stability in rural areas. This investment in 360 Marine Ltd. is an investment in the entire aquaculture industry. Sea lice are found in the marine environment on both wild and farmed fish, so this innovative, new system will help mitigate potential impact that sea lice can have on fish that are farmed throughout the province.”
Honourable Loyola O’Driscoll
Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
“Atlantic Canada has the talent and ingenuity to develop solutions that make our industries stronger. When businesses and communities have the tools to innovate and grow, the benefits reach well beyond the company itself. 360 Marine is building on homegrown expertise to develop technology that can strengthen our aquaculture sector and create new and modern opportunities from Harbour Breton. Through ACOA, the Government of Canada is helping Atlantic Canadian companies turn good ideas into practical solutions, build their capacity and create lasting economic activity here at home.”
Honourable Sean Fraser PC, KC
Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
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