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PEI is seeking permission to import disease-resistant seed and oyster broodstock from the United States as an island oyster operation. fights MSX and dermo.
None of the diseases recently discovered in the island's waters pose a threat to humans, but can be deadly to oysters.
Atlantic Aqua Farms has submitted an application to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to begin importing oyster seed and broodstock as soon as possible.
“We would like to get approval for this year because we are very concerned about the future of our farm,” said Meredith White, hatchery director for Atlantic Aqua Farms.
“Atlantic Aqua Farms is very fortunate that we have not had significant mortality, but we do have a significant number of our oysters testing positive for MSX….
“We foresee the death toll to come and we certainly understand that the island's industries have been severely impacted.”
White said there is some concern that the American animals will not survive P.E.I. winters, but they are raised by a company in Maine and have been tested to survive cold weather.
Imports will also be sent to a quarantine facility to address concerns about the introduction of new diseases, but for some this is not enough.
– Why take risks?
Bob McLeod, president of the PEI Shellfish Association, which represents wild oyster catchers, is among those concerned.
“Why risk getting another disease? Like, we don’t know now how these diseases got here,” he said. “So to open the door… to bring in produce from the States, who knows where the disease will come from?”
MacLeod is also concerned about the impact imports could have on wild oyster catchers.
“I don't make a big deal about it because they're triploid oysters that don't reproduce, so it doesn't help the wild industry at all,” he said.
“Why would we compromise what we have? PEI is known for Malpeque oysters, and these are not Malpeque oysters.”
“A step in the right direction”
There are others who support importing seed and broodstock from south of the border.
Darcy Foley, president of Island Oyster Growers Group, told CBC News it's a good move.
“I think this is probably a step in the right direction,” he said. “If we leave it this long, the oysters still won’t be able to grow.”
The group recently voted on the proposal.
“It was almost unanimous that all manufacturers support [Atlantic Aqua Farms] in their plan,” Foley said, adding that the risk of new diseases is eliminated.
“Precautionary measures will already be taken. All this will be done in laboratories and hatcheries, and I think we are completely safe in this regard.”
Foley said the industry hopes to get CFIA approval as soon as possible.
“We are already seeing manufacturers… [with] high mortality rate, and I think it's just a matter of time before the rest of the industry feels the same way.”
Years to achieve results
Even if Atlantic Aqua Farms imports are approved for 2026, it would still take years to see any results, White said.
“Any delay after that will push the matter aside,” he said. “[We're] very concerned about the state of the industry with the significant mortality that many farmers are seeing.”
Meanwhile, Foley said this winter will be difficult for the industry.
“The cages are down now, so we'll kind of take a little break from thinking about it. But as soon as we raise them again, you will return inside, facing her.”
