Harold and Ruth Tuplin of Coleman and Triple M Mussels Inc. of French River have received the 2010 Provincial Minister’s Shellfish Recognition Awards for their long-term contributions to the Prince Edward Island shellfish industry. The awards were presented by Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair at a gala dinner during the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival on Saturday evening.
“I want to extend my congratulations to the recipients of this year’s awards for their hard work and achievements,” said Mr. LeClair. “Their contributions and leadership have been an inspiration to others in the industry, and have helped to build the strong reputation the shellfish industry enjoys in domestic and international markets.”
Harold and Ruth Tuplin have been fishing oysters for over 50 years, and continue to be active in the fishery. Harold has been fishing oysters from York Point and Bedeque since he was 12 years old. Ruth entered the fishery when she and Harold were married in 1960. The Tuplins are strong supporters of the enhancement work being carried out by the Prince Edward Island Shellfish Association.
Triple M Mussels Inc. was established by father and son Clayton and Gordon MacLeod, and were later joined in the operation by Clayton’s other sons, Garth and Earl. From an initial 17 mussel lines in New London Bay, they expanded to 120 lines in Rustico, French River and SouthWest River with an annual production of more than one million pounds. They have been active promoters of the mussel industry, and developed a number of innovations in mussel harvesting. They are members of the Prince Edward Island Mussel Growers Association.
The annual awards were established 11 years ago to recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to the shellfish industry.
The shellfish industry in Prince Edward Island contributes $75 million annually to the provincial economy, and employs more than 2,500 people in rural and coastal communities.
“The efforts of people like the Tuplins and Triple M Mussels have helped immensely in moving the industry forward,” said Mr. LeClair. “As minister, I look forward to continuing to work with the industry to expand production and increase returns from the marketplace.”