For Immediate Release
December 1, 2025
(ST. JOHN’S, NL) – Today Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) announced four new ocean innovation projects valued at more than $13 million, including the $1.7 million Atlantic Canada Aquaculture Innovation Studio Project. This new, collaborative OSC project will advance sustainable seafood production, scaleup companies, and position Atlantic Canada as a hub for aquaculture innovation.
The project is led by Oceans Advance in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, in partnership with Hatch Blue in Cork, Ireland. With a total value of $1.7 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster will invest $600,000, with the balance of funding coming from the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency ($57,1250), and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador ($37,7500), as well as with collaboration from Global Affairs Canada.
The project will enable the implementation of the Aquaculture Innovation Studio, a global program designed to tackle some of the sector’s most pressing challenges, in Atlantic Canada. The program addresses aquaculture challenges by supporting startups and innovators who are developing groundbreaking solutions to optimize operations, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the overall resilience of the aquaculture sector, which is expected to play a significant role in addressing the growing global demand for protein.
The successful international program is led by Hatch Blue, and through its global reach will bring entrepreneurs from North America, Europe, Asia, and emerging aquaculture markets into direct collaboration with Canadian stakeholders, building stronger connections between local expertise and international opportunities.
Through Ambition 2035 and together with Canada’s ocean community, we are bold in our ambition to grow Canada’s ocean economy 5X to $220 billion by 2035. Continued investment in the accelerated development and commercialization of globally relevant, made in Canada ocean solutions will help us realize this ambition. Read more about recommendations to help achieve this transformational growth opportunity outlined in Charting the Course to 5X Growth in Canada’s Ocean Economy and the projected benefits to Canada here.
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Media Contacts
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035.
To date, the OSC has approved about 150 projects valued at more than $500 million, which will deliver more than 300 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. Every dollar invested in Ocean Supercluster projects generates more than five times its value in GDP contribution, with the following economic benefits to Canada as of March 2025:
- $1.7 billion in total economic output
- $1 billion in GDP contribution
- Nearly $748 million in total labour income
- Close to 10,000 jobs created
- $286 million in total tax revenues generated
- $295 million in follow-on investment raised
For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca.
Quotes
“Supported by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, this innovative project harnesses advanced technologies to strengthen the marine sector and Canada’s ocean economy. Our government is investing in solutions that enhance marine training and skills development, improve coastal safety, and strengthen sustainable seafood production in Canada. This initiative drives economic resiliency and promotes the sustainable use of our ocean resources.” – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.
“The aquaculture industry in Newfoundland and Labrador—and across Atlantic Canada—helps shape our communities and economy by producing fresh, sustainable seafood. The Aquaculture Innovation Studio, combined with Canada’s world-class fish farms and strong supply chain, will bring expertise and innovation to a collaborative space that develops solutions, driving a sustainable industry forward.” – The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Member of Parliament for Central Nova
“Canada’s ocean economy grows when we invest in people, new ideas, and smart partnerships. By supporting projects that strengthen training, foster innovation, and bring digital technologies into our marine industries, our government is improving safety, sustainability, and efficiency while keeping Canada at the leading edge of ocean innovation. Together with Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, we are unlocking new opportunities, creating jobs, and building a stronger, more resilient ocean economy.” The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries
“Our government understands that aquaculture is a key way to create good jobs in coastal communities across Newfoundland and Labrador. That’s why we’re proud to support technology like this to develop innovative solutions for the aquaculture industry. It helps build a stronger economy for all of us.” – Honourable Lin Paddock, Minister of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development
“At a time when the global demand for sustainable seafood is growing, Canada has the opportunity to help meet that need through the development of sustainable aquaculture. Through the Aquaculture Innovation Studio, we are connecting Canadian innovators to global markets, fostering collaboration, and creating new opportunities that will grow our ocean economy and establish Atlantic Canada as a leader in aquaculture technology.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“Oceans Advance is thrilled to lead this transformative project with Hatch Blue, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and other ecosystem collaborators. By bringing the Aquaculture Innovation Studio to Atlantic Canada, we are creating a unique platform for collaboration between local expertise and global innovators. This initiative will strengthen Newfoundland and Labrador’s position as a leader in sustainable aquaculture technology, drive new opportunities for startups, and contribute to the growth of our ocean economy.” – Shelly Petten, Executive Director, Oceans Advance