"Things could've been way worse. At least our fishermen have had a chance to go out and catch part of their catch."

The plant, which processed lobster, employed about 250 people.

Slashed market demand and decreased capacity at seafood processing plants have been challenging factors the sector is dealing with amid COVID-19 concerns.

"This year, we have unprecedented uncertainty with regards to the fishery on all fronts."

Potato growers are the latest to push for help, asking Ottawa for "urgent required interventions" as demand for french fries has all but disappeared.

"Before people travel to places, they are looking up local restaurants and local breweries, because they are looking for the local experience."

"Employees will get paid, our customer partners can count on us to continue delivering outstanding brands and services, and vendors will be paid in the ordinary course of business."

'We continue to need to go over to connect those ties to drive economic opportunities for the private sector,' Premier Stephen McNeil said.

In Canada, exports to China through June were already approaching 33 million pounds, which is nearly as much as all of 2018.

Nova Scotia says the program will assist seafood companies to "improve current products, create new ones and look at new export markets."