The provincial government is introducing funding to help support the expansion of the province’s growing lobster fishery.
Fisheries minister Gerry Byrne says warming waters mean lobster are thriving in the bays and inlets of Newfoundland.
Byrne says harvesters have seen a 263 per cent increase in landings in the province including along the west, south and southwest coasts, and parts of the northeast coast. That’s an increase from “5.7 million pounds of lobster, to 20.7 million pounds of lobster in just ten years, with a value increasing by 345 per cent.”
The province has earmarked $3.5 million to help expand the fishery, offering assistance of up to $100,000 depending on the level of technology needed and the risk of the project. Proposals must be submitted by May 16th .
