The Lennox Island Development Corporation has recently been granted a total federal contribution of CAD 225,841 (USD 166,000) to expand the production of the Bideford Shellfish Hatchery.
The fund, which is constituted by a non-repayable contribution of CAD 112,920 (USD 83,000) provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), and an additional CAD 112,920 (USD 83,000) invested through the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI), will support Lennox Island Development Corporation in the purchase and installation of new equipment and staff training to increase the production of oysters, helping the hatchery for long-term growth.
This project is expected to triple the annual potential production of oyster seed, helping the local industry meet global demand for oysters from Prince Edward Island (PEI) and take advantage of the sector’s high potential for Island’s prosperity and self-sustainability.
“The Canadian aquaculture sector produces world-class seafood products that have put our region on the map in a highly competitive global market. This industry plays a vital role in Indigenous communities and helps to power the Atlantic Canadian economy. We are committed to supporting our local producers so they can respond to this global demand,” said Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
“The Bideford Shellfish Hatchery is an experienced and highly regarded supplier, and as the only producer of PEI’s hatchery oyster seed, they play a vital role in the success of our Island’s oyster industry. Through these investments, the aquaculture sector, and the wider food business ecosystem on PEI, will realize new opportunities to innovate and diversify into new markets; resulting in a more resilient industry,” said Bobby Morrissey, member of Parliament for Egmont.
“We are excited to move forward with this much-needed initiative. With this funding we are able to bring improvements to our hatchery to help with sustainability and streamlining our processes to improve our product,” said Mike Randall, executive director of Lennox Island Development Corporation.
