An oyster enhancement project in the Bideford River this spring has resulted in an excellent seed supply for future harvests.
Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Greg Deighan recently got a first-hand look at the enhancement work while touring several fisheries and aquaculture sites in the western part of the province.
As part of a broader oyster strategy, the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment supported a broodstock development program during the spring oyster fishery. It saw the Prince Edward Island Shellfish Association place more than 2,500 boxes of standard oysters in the Bideford River as broodstock for recruitment of oyster spat.
"The PEI Shellfish Association works hard to enhance the oyster industry in Prince Edward Island," said Minister Deighan. "I am pleased that the department was able to support the work carried out in the Bideford River and that the broodstock spread last spring has contributed to an excellent oyster spat fall for the association and the numerous leaseholders who place oyster collectors in the Bideford River."
The oyster strategy announced last spring was designed to assist the industry respond to difficult market conditions in the short term and chart a course for the future growth of the oyster sector. In total, approximately $100,000 worth of standard oysters were purchased to be used as broodstock.
Most of the broodstock was spread in the Bideford River as oyster stocks there had been depleted because of starfish predation and other factors. This affected the oyster fishery not only in that river but also in other areas of the province. The Prince Edward Island Shellfish Association places hundreds of collectors in the Bideford River each year to collect spat for seed to develop new oyster grounds across the Island.
While visiting the Bideford River site, Minister Deighan met with Alvin Broome, president of the Prince Edward Island Shellfish Association, and Frank Hansen, manager of the association's Enhancement Program, to see and discuss developments in the oyster industry. Approximately 700 Island fishers derive their principal income from the oyster fishery. In 2001, oyster landings were 6.0 million pounds with the landed value $6.3 million.
"Enhancement work has resulted in a steady increase in oyster production in recent years, and joint efforts are needed to build new markets to keep pace with that increased production," said Minister Deighan. "As a new minister, I look forward to continuing to work closely with the industry to build on the strengths of the Malpeque oyster and further advance the industry in Prince Edward Island."