The provincial government is investing $100,000 to enhance and develop publicly fished shellfish beds across Prince Edward Island, says Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Ron MacKinley.
“The oyster fishery is an important economic driver for rural Prince Edward Island with more than 1,000 Islanders employed in the industry,” said Minister MacKinley. “This investment will enhance public beds to ensure the sustainability of the industry and help meet the growing demand for Prince Edward Island oysters in national and international markets.”
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development is partnering with the Prince Edward Island Shellfish Association to carry out projects to continue to develop the oyster fishery. Projects include the collection and growth of oyster seed in the Bideford River and the spreading of oyster seed to expand oyster beds across Prince Edward Island.
The Association is also expanding the population of oyster broodstock in the Bideford River which is an important seed collection area for the Association and numerous Island oyster growers. “The PEI Shellfish Association does excellent work ensuring the sustainability and growth of the industry. It is important that we work together to ensure the industry remains strong,” said Minister MacKinley.
In addition to partnering with the Association, the department is providing labour support for the Shellfish Enhancement Program through the Employment Development Agency.
“The Province of Prince Edward Island will continue to invest in projects that promote and support our oyster industry and the oyster fishers who work very hard harvesting the high quality oysters that our province has become famous for,” said Minister MacKinley.