Fisheries and Environment Minister, Hon. Kevin MacAdam, says the Atlantic Veterinary College and the Island mussel industry enjoy an international reputation that holds the key to development opportunities for the Island.
Minister MacAdam, attending the International Triennial Conference and Exposition of World Aquaculture, says the Veterinary College, which also has a booth at the conference, is internationally recognized as a leader for its work in the fishery sector. "We often take the Vet college and the Island aquaculture industry for granted, but there are about 4000 delegates at the conference and Prince Edward Island figures prominently in many of the discussions and presentations. There is clear and undisputed recognition of our position as a world leader in the mussel industry. One of the key presenters from the Southern United States based over 60% of his presentation on Prince Edward Island and the development of the Island industry."
Minister MacAdam says that recognition opens a lot of doors. "The Island participants, representing the industry, government and the academic community, have explored opportunities in the aquaculture sector and several businesses will be coming to the Island for further discussions."
Minister MacAdam says the Island can build on its international standing and use it as a lever to foster development. "The ability of the industry and centres of expertise, such as the Veterniary College, to work together with government makes for an effective team in exploring opportunities. Those type of linkages don't exist in many jurisdictions and it gives us a bit of an advantage."
The Minister says he has also been exploring the possibility of the Island playing host to the international conference. "It moves all over the world; last year in Indonesia, this year Las Vegas and next year in Australia. I've met several times with the President and he is interested in having us put forward a proposal to host one of the future conferences. The last time it was on the eastern seaboard it was hosted by Halifax, and given the knowledge of the Island industry there would be a lot of interest in seeing it first hand."