Prince Edward Island will host Aquaculture CanadaOM 2012, a national meeting of the Aquaculture Association of Canada, May 27-30, says Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Ron MacKinley.
“The department is very pleased to co-host representatives of the aquaculture industry from across the country,” said the Minister. “Prince Edward Island’s aquaculture industry employs many people and makes a strong contribution to the Island economy. We look forward to the opportunity to exchange ideas and share information with our national colleagues to ensure continued growth and sustainability for the industry.”
The theme of Aquaculture CanadaOM 2012 is New Frontiers: Bridging Technology and Economic Growth. More than 300 delegates are expected to attend the three-day conference.
“Aquaculture CanadaOM is very excited to return to Charlottetown. One of our most successful conferences was held on the Island in 2002,” said Tim Jackson, president of the Aquaculture Association Canada. “Our partnership with the PEI BioAlliance, the PEI Aquaculture Alliance and the province puts a strong industry focus on the program. Working with an internationally recognized institution like the Atlantic Veterinary College is attracting a strong slate of scientific presentations.”
The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) will be involved in many aspects of the conference.
“As a world-leading research institution in aquatic species health, the Atlantic Veterinary College is pleased to co-host Aquaculture CanadaOM 2012,” said Dr. Don Reynolds, Dean of AVC. “Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food sector in the world, and we are pleased to share our knowledge and expertise in this field with representatives of the aquaculture industry from across Canada.”
Rory Francis, executive director of the PEI BioAlliance, says the conference will help promote the Island’s bioscience sector.
“Through this new partnership, we hope to bring a greater business and international presence to the conference and build on Prince Edward Island’s reputation for successful commercialization of research,” said Mr. Francis.
Aquaculture CanadaOM 2012 will also showcase Prince Edward Island’s aquaculture industry, said Ann Worth, executive director of the PEI Aquaculture Alliance.
“Aquaculture is a business success story on Prince Edward Island and an important driver in the Island economy,” said Ms. Worth. “As co-host of this important national conference, we are very proud to work with our partners on this incredible East Coast conference.”
For more information on the conference, contact Gail Ryan, executive director of the Aquaculture Association of Canada, gail.ryan@bellaliant.net or Neil MacNair, director of aquaculture, Dept. of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, ngmacnair@gov.pe.ca.