An oyster company in Prince Edward Island is requesting permission to bring in disease-resistant oyster seed and broodstock from the United States to address challenges faced by the local oyster industry due to the presence of MSX and dermo diseases.
Although these diseases do not pose a threat to humans, they can be fatal to oysters, and recent detections in Island waters have raised concerns.
Atlantic Aqua Farms has submitted applications to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to initiate the importation process promptly.
Meredith White, the hatcheries director at Atlantic Aqua Farms, expressed urgency, stating, “We were hoping for approval this year due to our farm’s future concerns.”
While acknowledging the current low mortality rates, White highlighted the high MSX prevalence among oysters and the anticipated increase in mortality that could significantly impact the industry.
There are concerns about the survivability of U.S. oysters in P.E.I. winters, although the company has confirmed their adaptability to cold climates through testing in Maine.
The imported oysters would undergo quarantine measures to mitigate potential risks of introducing new diseases, but some, like Bob MacLeod, president of the P.E.I. Shellfish Association, remain apprehensive.
‘Why take a chance?’
MacLeod questioned the need to introduce new diseases by importing oyster seed and broodstock from the U.S., emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding disease origins and potential consequences.
MacLeod also highlighted the impact on wild oyster fishers and the potential threat to the renowned Malpeque oysters that define P.E.I.’s industry.
‘A step in the right direction’
On the other hand, Darcy Foley, president of the Island Oyster Growers Group, supported the importation of seed and broodstock from the U.S., considering it a positive initiative to safeguard the industry’s future.
Foley emphasized the importance of timely actions to prevent oyster losses and noted unanimous support among growers for Atlantic Aqua Farms’ proposal.
While acknowledging the risks associated with new diseases, Foley assured that stringent precautions would be taken during the import process to ensure safety.
The industry is eagerly awaiting CFIA approval to address escalating mortality rates among growers.
Years may pass before the results of the importation efforts are evident, which could further exacerbate current industry challenges, according to White.
In the meantime, industry insiders anticipate a difficult winter ahead as they grapple with the ongoing crisis.</