The Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island will assume ownership, operation and management of the Cardigan Fish Hatchery announced officials at a news conference today.
In addition to maintaining the current operation of the Cardigan Fish Hatchery, the Atlantic Veterinary College will also use the hatchery for research purposes and will explore opportunities to develop additional business ventures at the hatchery.
"Excellent working relationships between the university and the hatchery have been in place for some time," said Dr. Elizabeth Epperly, President of the University of Prince Edward Island. "We have great confidence in the abilities of the hatchery staff and in the ability of the Atlantic Veterinary College to make this a successful venture for both the university and the province."
The transfer of the Cardigan Fish Hatchery to the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island is being done with the assistance of both federal and provincial governments, and with the cooperation of the angling community.
"This hatchery makes a significant contribution to the salmon and trout fisheries in PEI, and with this announcement we can look forward to ongoing enhancement of this valuable resource," said the Honourable Kevin MacAdam, Minister of Fisheries and Environment.
In 1994 the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) announced its intention to divest itself of government hatcheries in the Atlantic region, including the Cardigan Fish Hatchery.
"The federal government is very pleased that the Cardigan Fish Hatchery will continue its work here in Prince Edward Island," said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Labour, on behalf of the Honourable David Anderson, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Honourable Fred J. Mifflin, Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "This is the first successful transfer of a hatchery from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to a non-government organization. I have every confidence that the Atlantic Veterinary College will do an excellent job of operating the facility."
In planning for its divestiture, DFO undertook a consultation process in 1996. A consortium of non-government interests on PEI responded by indicating an interest in exploring options to ensure the ongoing operation of the hatchery.
Members of the consortium include the: PEI Salmon Association; PEI Wildlife Federation; Morell River Management Co-op; O'Leary Wildlife Federation; PEI Federation of Fly Fishers; Montague Watershed Management Co-op; PEI Regional Council of the Atlantic Salmon Federation; and the Native Council of PEI.
"This facility is essential to the ongoing enhancement activities being carried out by our member groups across Prince Edward Island," said Bob Johnston, Chair of the Cardigan Hatchery Consortium. "The consortium considered the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island to be the preferred operator of the hatchery because of the expertise within the college."
To assist the University of Prince Edward Island in the operation of the Cardigan Fish Hatchery, the following funding will be provided:
The Government of Prince Edward Island will provide $60,000 a year for five years beginning April 1, 1998. In recognition of support for the continued operation of the hatchery, the province will be introducing a new Conservation Fund in 1998. From this fund, an expected allocation of $60,000 a year for four years will be used to support the hatchery operation making a total contribution of $540,000.
The federal government will provide a $105,000 non-repayable contribution, through ACOA, in support of hatchery operations which will be spread over the next three years. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has entered into a five-year service agreement with the college valued at approximately $57,000 per year in support of the hatchery, totalling $390,000 in federal funding.
In addition to assuming ownership, operation and management responsibility for the hatchery, the Atlantic Veterinary College will provide at least $10,000 annually as well as a number of indirect supports.