Fisheries and Environment Minister, Kevin J. MacAdam says his recent attendance at the Triennial Conference and Exposition of the World Aquaculture Society, National Shellfisheries Association and American Fisheries Society in Las Vegas, Nevada reinforced the potential that PEI has in aquaculture production and the sale of world class expertise in fish health, diagnostics, supplies and training. Minister MacAdam attended the conference and trade show with delegates from the PEI aquaculture industry, Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), and the provincial government.
The conference hosted 4,000 delegates, 1,500 presentations, and 250 trade show exhibitors. "Las Vegas was the aquaculture capital of the world from February 15-19. I was pleased that we had solid representation from PEI. From the production perspective, we gained a great deal of insight on the latest developments in shellfish and finfish culture that we can put to use on PEI. A number of speakers acknowledged the PEI industry during their presentations, with Island Blue mussels, Malpeque oysters and the finfish industry all being recognized by several speakers," said Mr. MacAdam.
The Minister also recognized the potential for PEI to be a significant player in exporting technology and information relating to the aquaculture industry. "PEI has a distinct advantage with world class expertise in fish health, diagnostics and aquaculture training at the AVC. The AVC folks are real ambassadors for the PEI industry and will open a lot of doors for PEI to do business with the world."
The Minister also commented that the strength of the PEI aquaculture industry and our innovative manufacturing and supply companies hold potential to export equipment and culture technology. "A government, industry partnership is the key to selling the Island as a whole and I would be pleased to foster a cooperative approach to explore opportunities," said the Minister.
Mr. MacAdam sees the event as one that PEI could host. "I met with the President of the World Aquaculture Society and was assured that we would receive a package to prepare a proposal to host the event in the future. PEI is a great venue for such a meeting. Not only would it give us an opportunity to create further linkages in the aquaculture sector, but would make a positive contribution to tourism in the province," concluded the Minister.