The week of September 5-11 has been declared as Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week by Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Allan Campbell. It is intended to raise awareness and understanding of the impact and spread of invasive species on Prince Edward Island’s aquaculture industry.
“The aquaculture industry is facing serious challenges in dealing with invasive species, and it is vital that the industry and the public learn more about measures to slow the spread and to prevent new introductions while solutions are being developed,” said Mr. Campbell. “As a department, we have undertaken a number of initiatives in partnership with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Prince Edward Island Aquaculture Alliance to identify technologies and practices that can lead to practical solutions.”
Mr. Campbell said that his department has approved a number of research projects and is offering financial and technical assistance to the industry through the Mussel Productivity Improvement Program established earlier this year with the federal government. He said an update on these initiatives will be provided during the coming week. Other activities being planned include boat cleaning demonstrations, new information signage at wharves and boat slips and a report on a recent survey of invasive species. The department has also been running radio advertisements over the summer months advising boaters of steps they can take to help prevent the spread of invasive species.
A total of six new aquatic invasive species have shown up in Island waters over the past ten years. These are the oyster thief, the green crab, the clubbed tunicate, the golden star tunicate, the violet tunicate and the vase tunicate. All are having an impact on the aquaculture industry, with the mussel industry being the most seriously affected.
The aquaculture industry has a landed value of $30 million and an economic value to the province of $60 million. More than 1500 people are employed in harvesting and processing operations.
“Addressing the problem of aquatic invasive species continues to be a major priority for my department, and we will continue to seek solutions with the industry and the federal government,” said Mr. Campbell.