Provincial Fisheries and Aquaculture staff have a new piece of equipment to help with shellfish research and development projects.
Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Greg Deighan said the department has purchased a 22-foot aluminum work boat equipped with a hydraulic crane.
"As technology to grow species such as mussels and oysters has evolved in recent years, it became clear that staff working on shellfish development projects needed more specialized equipment," said Minister Deighan. "This vessel will allow us to continue to work closely with the industry on projects that help ensure a sustainable future for this important sector of the Island economy."
In 2002, the landed value of PEI oysters, mussels, quahaugs and clams was more than $30 million. In total, the shellfish sector contributes close to $70 million to the provincial economy and provides employment for more than 2,500 Islanders in rural and coastal communities from one end of the province to the other.
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment partners with industry organizations such as the PEI Aquaculture Alliance and the PEI Shellfish Association, as well as the Atlantic Veterinary College and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, on numerous research and development projects in support of the shellfish industry. Work for which the new boat will be used includes research on the biology of the clubbed tunicate and control options for this invasive species; assessment of mussel and oyster spatfall; and shellbed cultivation projects to remove silt from oyster shells, thereby creating new grounds for the oyster fishery.
"Research and development projects such as these are essential to maintain a strong shellfish sector," said Crystal McDonald, executive director of the PEI Aquaculture Alliance. "It is encouraging to see the department respond to the needs of the industry."
The aluminum boat was built by Summerside Industrial Fabricators, following the provincial tendering process. The cost was $41,130.