A fisheries touch tank is proving to be a popular attraction on the Charlottetown waterfront this summer.
Peake's Quay Restaurant owners Liam Dolan and John Likely installed the touch tank on the grounds of Peake's Wharf for the summer months. With support from the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, the City of Charlottetown, and the Atlantic Veterinary College, two students are working at the touch tank, answering questions and telling visitors more about the fish in the tank.
"The touch tank provides a unique opportunity to tell people first hand about fisheries and aquaculture in Prince Edward Island," said Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester Gillan. "People of all ages are drawn to the tank. They love to touch the fish and are eager to find out more about the industry."
Fishing and aquaculture is the third largest industry in Prince Edward Island, surpassed only by agriculture and tourism. As many as 9,200 people are employed in the fishery at peak season and the total contribution to the Island economy is in excess of $300 million.
Staff from the Atlantic Veterinary College assisted in the setup of the touch tank and in training students. They are also monitoring the operation of the tank over the summer.
Fish species in the touch tank include lobster, mussels, oysters, clams, and sea plants. Other fish will be added as they become available.
Liam Dolan said he and his partner decided to install the touch tank for the summer after seeing how popular it was at the PEI International Shellfish Festival held on the waterfront each September. The tank has been set up for the festival the last several years.
"Hundreds of visitors stroll along the waterfront every day throughout the summer and the touch tank is another added attraction for them. It makes their visit more enjoyable and it encourages them to spend more time in the area," Mr. Dolan said.
Other sponsors of the fisheries touch tank at Peake's Wharf are Atlantic Mussel Growers Corporation of Murray River which donated the tank and Lobster on the Wharf in Charlottetown which is supplying the lobster.