Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair today presented the 2009 Provincial Minister’s Shellfish Recognition Awards to two leading members of the shellfish industry. Dennis Enman of Coleman and Carl Reynolds of Stratford were presented the awards during the opening of the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival in Charlottetown.
“I am very pleased to extend my congratulations to Dennis and Carl in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the shellfish industry,” said Minister LeClair. “Through their hard work and innovative efforts, they have helped to make this province one of the leading producers of quality shellfish in Canada.”
Dennis Enman began fishing quahaugs in 1976 and obtained his first oyster lease in 1986. While he still participates in the public oyster fishery, he turned his focus to oyster aquaculture in 2000. He produces high quality oysters for the marketplace through growing techniques adapted to his leases. Active in the industry, he was a member of the Prince Edward Island Shellfish Association since 1985, a director of the association for 18 years and is the former vice-president of the Prince Edward Island Aquaculture Alliance.
Carl Reynolds became a full-time mussel grower in 1995 in partnership with his son Colin. His background as an engineer with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans equipped him for a successful career as a mussel grower. As an engineer, he worked on projects related to the mussel industry, such as the development of anchorage equipment and plant holding systems. Many of these projects were uniquely developed for the industry and revolutionized its practices. A recognized leader, he has served as president of the Prince Edward Island Aquaculture Alliance and the Prince Edward Island Mussel Growers Association.
“The Prince Edward Island shellfish industry continues to grow because of the efforts of these and other committed growers and processors,” said Minister LeClair. “We are proud of our products and the people who produce them.”