Officials announced at a news conference today the establishment of the Lobster Science Centre at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), University of Prince Edward Island.
Developed with support from the lobster industry and the federal and provincial governments, the Lobster Science Centre will build on the successes of AVC's lobster research program. Focusing on the health of lobsters, the Centre will contribute to the sustainability of Atlantic Canada's most economically valuable fishery.
Federal Fisheries and Oceans Minister Herb Dhaliwal joined Solicitor General Lawrence MacAulay and provincial counterparts, industry representatives and University researchers in support of the Centre. "I am pleased to see such a centre devoted entirely to lobster - Canada's number-one marine resource. This centre will give us the hard facts we need to develop ways to ensure we have healthy, plentiful stocks in the years to come," stated Minister Dhaliwal.
"The research carried out by the Lobster Science Centre will help to enhance the lobster industry," stated Minister MacAulay. "We recognize the importance of sustaining the resource for the province and for Canada."
The mission of the AVC Lobster Science Centre is to apply the principles of veterinary medicine to the health of individual lobsters and the lobster resource in general. Ultimately, the goal of the Centre is to increase economic and social benefits from the lobster industry, through research and educational programs, within a cooperative framework. Industry and government will participate directly as members of the Centre's Management Council.
"The lobster fishery is a vital component of the economy of Prince Edward Island, with a landed value of $88.8 million last year," said Honourable Kevin J. MacAdam, Provincial Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment. "The more knowledge we can gain about this valuable resource, the better we will be able to ensure a strong future for the industry. The Lobster Science Centre at the Atlantic Veterinary College will contribute a great deal toward that end. The Province is pleased to join with industry representatives and our federal counterparts in supporting the Centre's work."
"The work of the Lobster Science Centre will be significant regionally, nationally and internationally in expanding our knowledge about the fishery," says Wade MacLauchlan, President of UPEI. "The University of Prince Edward Island is proud to be a partner with the support from industry and DFO."
Researchers at the Centre cite their close ties with the lobster industry as a major factor in the success of their work. "From the beginning, the lobster industry has been very supportive," says Dr. Rick Cawthorn, who will be named Director of the Lobster Science Centre. "We understand that in order to ensure the survival of the lobster fishery, we need to learn more about lobsters and then share the information with the stakeholders involved." Researchers anticipate that much of the lobster health research will be applicable to other crustaceans such as crabs, shrimps and prawns, globally.
The Lobster Science Centre is supported by funding from the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the provincial Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, fishers' organizations and the private sector including: Clearwater Fine Foods Inc., Diagnostic Chemicals Limited, Guigné Group of Companies, Paturel Seafood International, Polar Foods International Inc. and Sogelco International.
"The Atlantic Veterinary College has a solid research record in lobster health, as well as fish health and aquaculture," says Dr. Tim Ogilvie, Dean of AVC. "We welcome this opportunity to further support the lobster industry and the Atlantic region."
For more information contact Sheri Ostridge, External Relations Officer, Atlantic Veterinary College at (902) 566-0533 or Dr. Rick Cawthorn, Director, Lobster Science Centre, Atlantic Veterinary College at (902) 566-0584.