Test results from weakened and dead oysters sampled just following the opening of the spring oyster season have indicated that the cause of mortality is not a result of any shellfish parasites or disease but likely of natural causes. Kevin MacAdam, Minister of Fisheries and Environment says "Department staff responded to the concerns raised by the oyster industry following the opening of the spring season on May 1. Initial concern was raised by fishers in Wilmot River and Dunk River where some oysters being tonged from the beds were dead or weakened." Oyster samples were prepared at the Atlantic Veterinary College and analysed at the Gulf Fisheries Centre, Moncton.
"Many industry members have commented that they have observed this type of condition in previous years said Mr. MacAdam. The term "winter kill" is used to describe the condition and can be a result of oysters being killed by winter ice, smothering by natural vegetation such as eel grass or sea lettuce, siltation or weakening and eventual death associated with the long winter hibernation that oysters in our climate must endure."
The Department has received additional reports of winter kill in some other oyster producing rivers on P.E.I. In each case a follow up investigation has been carried out. "The winter of 1996 appears to have been more stressful than normal on oysters " said Mr. MacAdam.
The industry is experiencing reduced landings in Bedeque, partly the result of some mortality and partly due to poor recruitment in 1992 and 1993, the year classes that would be maturing to the legal size 3" oysters this season. While the loss of some oysters in the Bedeque fishery is a set back to the industry, there is a good abundance of seed oysters remaining for the fishery of the future.
"Winter kill such as experienced this year, points clearly to the importance of the work carried out by the P.E.I. Shellfish Association to enhance the oyster production in the public fishery. I am pleased that my Department through the Primary Resource Development Agreement has approved a project to cost share enhancement activities for the 1997 season" concluded the Minister.
For more information contact:
Lewie Creed, Director, Fisheries and Aquaculture
368-5241