Dr. Lawrence Heider, Acting President of the University of Prince Edward Island, Mr. Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and Mr. George Proud, Member of Parliament for Hillsborough, representing the Government of Canada, and the Honourable Kevin MacAdam, Minister of Fisheries and Tourism, and the Honourable Don MacKinnon, Minister of Development, representing the province, announced today that funds have been identified to work with government and lobster industry interests to identify an ongoing funding and organizational structure for the University's Lobster Health Research Centre (LHRC).
Developed with seed funding from the Max Bell Foundation and in response to industry interest, the University established the Lobster Health Research Centre in 1996 to provide leadership by increasing the knowledge base in lobster health through basic and applied research. Nearing the end of its three-year start-up funding, the Centre is now looking to the lobster industry and other stakeholders for future direction.
With the support of the federal and provincial government as well as the lobster industry, the University has launched a comprehensive study which will involve consultation with government and industry with the goal of developing a research strategy and identifying provisions for long-term funding for the Centre. A final report on LHRC's future direction and its role in supporting the industry by conducting research will be presented by May 1999.
"In just over two years, the University's Lobster Health Research Centre has established itself as an important resource for the industry," said UPEI Acting President Dr. Lawrence Heider. "Our initial success reflects both our strong research capabilities and our close ties with the lobster industry and the federal and provincial departments of fisheries. We welcome the opportunity to determine how the University can strengthen its role in ensuring long-term viability of the fishery."
Funding of $34,910 will be provided by the Government of Canada through Human Resources Development Canada, the Canada/PEI Labour Market Development Agreement will provide $28,800, the PEI Department of Fisheries and Tourism will contribute $15,000 and the University will provide in-kind support of $52,000 to assist with the study. Additional funding will also be provided by Clearwater Fine Foods Ltd. of Nova Scotia and Diagnostic Chemicals Limited of Prince Edward Island. "The lobster fishery is a key industry in Atlantic Canada and its future is very important to the economy. Research targeted at increasing the knowledge base in lobster health and science will contribute to the industry's long-term sustainabilitiy," said Mr. Easter. "This strategic investment is what the Government of Canada's Job Strategy is all about—working with partners and investing in areas where we can make a difference—areas that have good prospects for future growth."
"Research partnerships like this one we are announcing today reflect the shared responsibilities that lobster fishermen, processors and different levels of government have for the lobster industry's future," added Minister MacAdam. "The Lobster Health Research Centre can make a major contribution to the enhancement of this vital industry."
Based at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) under the direction of Dr. Rick Cawthorn, the Lobster Health Research Centre has been successful in conducting both basic and applied research in several areas: investigation of "bumper car" disease (caused by a protozoan parasite) in lobsters; development of a label adhesive system; and collaboration on the development of an ultrasonic probe which measures lobster meat yields.
For more information, contact Sheri Ostridge, External Relations, Atlantic Veterinary College, at (902) 566-0533.