Atlantic Aqua Farms, a company in Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.), is requesting permission to bring disease-resistant oyster seed and broodstock from the United States. This initiative comes as the local oyster industry grapples with the presence of MSX and dermo diseases in Island waters. While these diseases do not pose a threat to humans, they can be fatal to oysters.
Meredith White, the director of hatcheries at Atlantic Aqua Farms, expressed concerns about the future of the farm due to the increasing presence of MSX among oysters. The company has sought approval from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) for the importation of the oyster seed and broodstock to mitigate potential losses.
There are apprehensions about the ability of U.S. oysters to survive P.E.I. winters, although these animals have been bred and tested for cold weather resilience in Maine. The imported stock will be placed in a quarantined facility to prevent the introduction of new diseases, but some, like Bob MacLeod of the P.E.I. Shellfish Association, remain skeptical about the risks involved.
MacLeod voiced concerns about the potential impact on wild oyster fishers and questioned the need to introduce new species that do not align with the region’s renowned Malpeque oysters. In contrast, Darcy Foley, president of the Island Oyster Growers Group, supported the importation as a necessary step to safeguard the industry’s future, emphasizing the importance of addressing disease risks through proper protocols.
The decision on importing oysters rests with the CFIA and DFO, as reiterated by Fisheries Minister Zack Bell in response to queries in the legislative assembly. Bell emphasized the importance of scientific evaluations and ensuring the longevity of the oyster industry in P.E.I. by making informed decisions. Despite potential benefits, any approval for imports is anticipated to yield results only after several years.
As stakeholders navigate these decisions, the industry braces for challenges, with concerns about mortalities and the need for long-term sustainability. The winter ahead presents a difficult period for oyster growers, underscoring the urgency to address disease concerns while securing the industry’s future.
