Stan Casey of Charlottetown and John Sullivan of Lower Montague have received the 2012 Provincial Minister’s Shellfish Recognition Awards for their long-standing contributions to Prince Edward Island’s shellfish industry.
“I am very pleased to recognize Stan and John for their outstanding contributions to the shellfish industry,” said Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Ron MacKinley. “Their hard work and leadership has helped to build a strong reputation for our high-quality shellfish products which are sold in domestic and international markets.”
Stan Casey has been involved in the shellfishery for 30 years. He started fishing in Bedeque Bay and Wilmot River and has fished many of the Island’s rivers and estuaries. He is a recognized leader showing strong interest in ensuring the sustainability of the shellfishery for future generations. Recently, he successfully lobbied municipal, provincial and federal governments to upgrade Charlottetown’s wastewater treatment system to protect the fishery in the Charlottetown Harbour area. He is currently a director with the PEI Shellfish Association.
John Sullivan is recognized as a pioneer in the development of the cultured mussel industry. He was one of the original founders of the Atlantic Mussel Growers Co-op, a group that played a key role in the development of harvesting, processing and marketing systems for the industry. In the early 1980’s, Mr. Sullivan gained new markets for Prince Edward Island mussels in Canada and the US, a remarkable achievement given that cultured mussels were not yet a recognized product. He was also instrumental in the development of the PEI Cultured Mussel Growers Association and has worked with all levels of government to help expand the industry.
“Prince Edward Island’s shellfish industry continues to grow and develop because of the efforts of committed harvesters and processors,” said Minister MacKinley. “We can all be proud of their achievements.”
The shellfish industry in Prince Edward Island contributes $75 million annually to the provincial economy and employs more than 2,500 people.