The opening of a national aquaculture conference in Charlottetown Tuesday marks the beginning of a busy week for members of the Island aquaculture industry.
The Government of Prince Edward has proclaimed September 16-22, 2002 Aquaculture Week. The Island will play host to three major aquaculture events this week: Aquaculture Canada 2002, the First International Mussel Forum, and the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival.
"With Prince Edward Island being the focus of attention in the aquaculture world this week, it seems an appropriate time to stop and recognize the contribution the industry makes to our economy in Prince Edward Island every week," said Premier Binns. "Aquaculture has created new long-term employment opportunities in rural and coastal communities throughout the province, helping keep these communities strong and vibrant. That has been a key commitment of Government and that is one reason we have strongly supported aquaculture development."
More than 1,500 people work in the aquaculture industry in Prince Edward Island. Annual shellfish and finfish landings exceed 45 million pounds, the landed value is $30 million, and the industry contributes close to $60 million to the provincial economy.
Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Greg Deighan said strong partnerships have been a major factor in the success of the PEI aquaculture industry.
"The hard work of industry members, on the water and in the plants, combined with the high quality research carried out in Prince Edward Island in support of the industry, has resulted in the tremendous growth we have seen in recent years," he said.
Minister Deighan said Aquaculture Canada is a prime example of that spirit of partnership. The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment is co-hosting the conference with the Aquaculture Association of Canada and the Prince Edward Island Aquaculture Alliance. As well, staff at the Atlantic Veterinary College and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans in Charlottetown have taken an active role in the local organizing committee.
More than 500 delegates, including industry experts from around the world, will be in PEI for the national conference and trade show, the largest event of its kind in Canada. One highlight of Aquaculture Canada 2002 will be the First International Mussel Forum which is being sponsored by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The forum will bring together industry members from some of the top mussel-producing countries around the world.
"Through the First International Mussel Forum and Aquaculture Canada, Prince Edward Island industry members have a unique opportunity to learn first-hand from other jurisdictions around the world without leaving home. It is a chance to share information and ideas, strengthen ties, and examine issues and opportunities facing the industry," said Minister Deighan.
Many delegates at Aquaculture Canada and the First International Mussel Forum are extending their stay in Prince Edward Island to take in the PEI International Shellfish Festival September 20-22 at Peakes Wharf in Charlottetown. Co-hosted by the PEI Aquaculture Alliance and the PEI Shellfish Association, the festival will feature oyster shucking competitions, cooking demonstrations, top Island entertainment, and plenty of quality PEI shellfish to enjoy. The festival attracts thousands of people, both Islanders and visitors, to the Charlottetown waterfront each year.
Also part of the Aquaculture Week activities, the Aquaculture Pace will be the feature race at the Charlottetown Driving Park Saturday, September 21. Representatives from the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, the Aquaculture Association of Canada and the PEI Aquaculture Alliance will present the cooler.
For more information on any of the events happening during Aquaculture Week, contact the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment at (902) 368-5286.