There is continued optimism in Prince Edward Island’s seafood industry.
While the COVID-19 pandemic-induced uncertainty and restrictions were a cause for concern at the beginning of 2020 for aquaculture, fisheries and seafood processing sectors in Prince Edward Island, “we feel that industry worked hard and made proper adjustments to mitigate damage and find success,” said Jamie Fox, Minister of Fisheries and Communities in a statement to The Navigator.
“I want to recognize all our fishers, aquaculturists, buyers and processing companies for their commitment and perseverance to work through the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. These sectors are the backbone of many of our rural coastal communities across P.E.I.,” said Fox.
“Both of our Aquaculture and Fisheries divisions were able to lead bilateral discussions throughout the pandemic to support our province’s respective industries,” explained the Minister.
“Through these discussions we were able to help implement the Fisheries Interest Relief Program and the Fisheries Emergency Loan Program, which provide direct funding relief to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
In support of the aquaculture industry in 2020, the Oyster Enhancement Fund was introduced, “a one-time project aimed to assist our oyster shellfishers increase their future sales in the years ahead and also to assist our oyster growers affected by the pandemic through the enhancement of commercial beds, all while improving our environment through water quality enhancement,” said Fox.
In addition, the P.E.I. Mussel Retail Promotional Initiative, was created, “which was a direct response to increase mussel sales in the retail market due to the downturn caused by the closure of restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Fox.
In addition to the new COVID-19-related programs, “the Department’s Aquaculture and Fisheries divisions were able to find innovative and successful ways to use existing programs such as the collaborative Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF) which directly invested $5.5 million into the local aquaculture, fisheries and seafood processing sectors, and carried a $17-million value to the provincial economy,” said Fox.
“Moving forward into 2021, we are looking to build off of both new and existing programs such as Cleaning our Shorelines and Team Seafood to address challenges around environmental and labour concerns on Prince Edward Island,” said Fox. “As we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, we are looking forward to brighter days, as well as continued collaboration, positive relationships and great work from members of our Aquaculture, Fisheries and Seafood Processing industries.”
Other programs administered by the Department included the Aquaculture Futures Program, that assists to support initiatives that will support the sustainable growth of the aquaculture sector; the P.E.I. Fisheries and Aquaculture Research, Innovation, and Growth Program which provided funding for new innovative and research-based projects; the P.E.I. Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program which invested in local clean technology projects to grow the economy while reducing emissions; as well as partnering with the Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association to provide funding for the Fisher Assistance Program so that members of the fisheries and aquaculture communities have access to professional counseling services.
