The provincial government is partnering with oyster fishers and dealers on an oyster strategy designed to address the unique combination of circumstances the industry has experienced over recent months.
In announcing details of the strategy Thursday, Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester Gillan said the Malpeque oyster is a high-quality product that enjoys an excellent reputation in the marketplace.
"That market success has seen the oyster industry grow to become a significant contributor to the Island economy," the Minister said. "We have seen considerable expansion in production in recent years and I believe we've reached the point where we need to explore new market opportunities and ways to diversify production."
Oyster landings in PEI for 2001 were 6.0 million pounds with the landed value $6.3 milion. That compares to landings of 5.3 million pounds in 1999 and 4.3 million the year before.
That trend appears to be continuing as oyster fishers have experienced strong landings during the spring fishery this year, in some cases double the typical landings. At the same time, the terrorist attacks in the United States last September and the resulting impact on the economy had a significant affect on the oyster market this past winter. On top of that, the domoic acid situation on the north shore this spring prevented the marketing and sale of oysters. And yet another factor thrown into the mix was the dry weather last summer which caused oysters to mature quickly, creating a larger number of standard oysters.
"Oyster fishers and dealers have faced what is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime combination of challenges the last several months," the Minister commented. "The oyster strategy will address that short-term market situation, and look beyond that to chart a course for the future growth of the industry."
As part of the strategy, Minister Gillan said 12,000 pecks of standard oysters will be purchased from dealers to be used as broodstock in estuaries where there has been a failure of seed supply recently. The PEI Shellfish Association will assist in identifying areas and staff of the Association's Oyster Enhancement Program will help carry out the work.
Minister Gillan said another key element of the strategy is the purchase of another 12,000 pecks of standard oysters for use in product development work. The effort will be coordinated with PEI Business Development, processors and the Food Technology Centre, and will include development of value-added products such as raw shucked oyster meats or frozen meats. Individual companies will also be encouraged to conduct their own in-house product development.
"PEI oysters in the shell are recognized as a premium product. However, we have really just scratched the surface. We see tremendous opportunity in finding new ways to introduce consumers to the delicious taste of Malpeque oysters," the Minister said.
Other elements of the strategy include generic promotion of individual companies in their market areas through avenues such as advertising, consumer-oriented trade shows, in-store demonstrations, and special events, and expansion into new market areas that could purchase significant quantities of PEI oysters. New potential markets in North America, Europe and Asia will be identified, assessed and developed if warranted.
Minister Gillan said the Province will continue to work closely with oyster fishers, industry associations, processors and dealers who have played an integral role in developing the oyster strategy.
"Together, I'm confident we can address the current market situation in the short term and position the industry for a strong future," he said.