The Honourable Kevin J. MacAdam, Minister of Fisheries and Tourism, announced today new programs to assist in the further development of the PEI aquaculture industry.
The new programs include an Aquaculture Diversification Program which will assist the industry to diversify into new approved species. "The objective of the program is to see developmental species such as oysters, clams and finfish reach commercial production. The mussel industry has developed tremendous market opportunities for other high quality aquaculture products, and I anticipate that, over the next several years, PEI will expand production in these areas to meet market demands," said the Minister.
A second program will be an Aquaculture Technology Program which will assist the industry to develop or adopt new techniques or technologies to improve production efficiency. "The technology in the aquaculture industry is constantly changing, and this program will assist PEI producers to keep pace with developments elsewhere in the world," said Mr. MacAdam.
"Aquaculture is a bright light in the PEI economy," said Minister MacAdam. "Development of the aquaculture industry over the past 20 years has resulted in hundreds of jobs being created in rural communities of the province." The Minister noted that aquaculture is directly responsible for approximately $40 million of exported shellfish and finfish products and has paid dividends in spin off in the supplies and service sector.
"Our government sees opportunity for continued development in aquaculture, and the programs I have announced today will assist in the orderly development of the sector. Additional provincial budget dollars have been devoted to aquaculture development, and I am pleased that my staff will continue to work closely with the industry to explore new opportunities for PEI," said the Minister.
The programs will operate over the next four-year period and will be available to aquaculturists through the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division of the Department. "These programs will compliment many of the technical and biological services that we provide the industry today, and I look forward to a continued working relationship with the aquaculture sector," concluded the Minister.