All levels of the fishing and aquaculture industry in Newfoundland and Labrador are getting a boost from Ottawa.

Long Range Mountains MP Gudie Hutchings and NL Fisheries Minister Elvis Loveless announced $25 million in funding through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund for 147 projects across the province.

The funding will be used to help upgrade equipment and improve the quality, productivity and sustainability in the local seafood sector.

Of the 147 projects receiving funds, 116 of them are in harvesting, 22 in processing, as well as five projects in aquaculture that will focus on the development of oyster and salmon, while four projects will support Indigenous partnerships.

Minister Loveless says its important to ensure the long-term success of the industry in the province.

Loveless says he spoke with harvesters about the need to modernize fishing gear to improve efficiencies, and ensure that the highest quality product is delivered to processing plants. He says the aquaculture industry helps every community in this province.

He says the fishing and aquaculture industry employs over 17,000 people in the province.