Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester Gillan has announced that Prince Edward Island will play host to a major national aquaculture conference in the fall of 2002.
Minister Gillan's Department will partner with the PEI Aquaculture Alliance and the Aquaculture Association of Canada to host Aquaculture Canada 2002 from September 17-20, 2002.
The Aquaculture Association of Canada represents the interests of government and university scientists, regulators and students, as well as the aquaculture industry. More than 500 delegates are expected to attend the 2002 conference in PEI and the event will inject over half a million dollars into the provincial economy. However, the benefits go far beyond the economic spinoffs, said Minister Gillan.
"This is an opportunity to profile the tremendous success achieved in the Island aquaculture industry and the high quality research that is carried out in support of the PEI industry through the Atlantic Veterinary College and other agencies, as well as the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and my Department," the Minister said.
Executive director Crystal McDonald said the PEI Aquaculture Alliance is pleased to be co-hosting Aquaculture Canada 2002. She noted the conference precedes the PEI International Shellfish Festival to be held at Peakes Wharf on the Charlottetown Waterfront, September 20-22, 2002.
"We have successfully partnered with the province in the past on educational forums," said McDonald. "We anticipate that holding this national forum in conjunction with the PEI International Shellfish Festival next September will allow us to showcase to the conference attendees both the PEI aquaculture success story and the quality products that we produce."
The conference will include technical sessions and an industry trade show. Ms. McDonald said the theme for the three-day event, "Finding Solutions - Creating Sustainable Wealth", reflects the Aquaculture Alliance's commitment to the social, economic and environmental sustainability of the PEI aquaculture industry.
Minister Gillan agreed the conference theme fits well with the current climate in the industry.
"It speaks to my Department's commitment to work closely with the aquaculture sector to address scientific, technical and regulatory issues, with a common vision of creating long-term sustainable jobs," he said.
Minister Gillan noted a large volunteer effort will be needed to ensure Aquaculture Canada 2002 is a success. In that regard, he said representatives of the Atlantic Veterinary College and other agencies have already indicated they will lend their support.
"The researchers at AVC are a vital part of the aquaculture industry in PEI so their assistance is most welcomed," he said.
In announcing PEI's successful bid, Minister Gillan acknowledged the contribution of former minister Kevin MacAdam in laying the groundwork to attract the Aquaculture Association of Canada conference to the province. Mr. MacAdam's past efforts in meeting with key players who organize the conference helped secure the event for PEI, he added.