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• Video – Experts urge caution, but P.E.I. hatchery hopeful for MSX-resistant oyster seed

On Thursday, Gill noted that in addition to equipment and facility needs, there is an opportunity to add another pathologist at UPEI to support oyster research.

She said the university currently has experts working in this area, including one position the province funds under an Atlantic agreement. But workloads are heavy, said Gill, and there’s room for more support.

“We would like to see them in place for more than just this year…. We see some long-term research that has to take place on MSX and dermo.”

Fishers ‘disappointed’ by announcement

Bob MacLeod, president of the P.E.I. Shellfish Association, told CBC News he is “pretty disappointed” that Friday’s announcement didn’t include any direct help for oyster fishers.

“I know you got to have research and development, but you also got to have the fishermen,” he said. “The fishermen that built the fisheries… should be getting a little support.”

One support MacLeod said they’re looking for is a way to make it easier for fishers to qualify for employment insurance over the winter.

“It’s getting to be kind of a pretty desperate situation for a lot of people…. The federal government is not sitting down with us to see where we’re at,” he said.

“It’s just like we don’t exist to them. And this was just another knife in our coffin, I guess.”

Sean Casey said he and the province’s other three MPs are trying to secure more help for Islanders.

“This has a potential devastating and immediate impact and conversations are ongoing,” he said. “Today’s announcement was about research. It’s my hope that we’re going to be able to have something more to deal with the human crisis we’re in because of this.”

Industry impacts and supports

During the committee meeting, Gill shared data showing that MSX has so far affected 46 oyster leases across the Island that are connected to 37 individual growers. Six processors have also reported mortalities. Reports from the industry show mortality rates ranging anywhere from 10 to 90 per cent.

On top of that, this summer’s dry season may have made things worse. Gill said experts in the U.S. have noted drought years can have a negative impact on oysters.

“When there’s no rain and high temperatures… MSX loves the environment when that’s the case,” she said.

The oyster industry generated more than $54 million for P.E.I.’s economy in 2024.

The industry currently has between 200 and 250 active fishers and about 300 oyster growers. However, Gill noted the province has seen a steady decline in the number of fishers in recent years.

Gill said the province has measures in place to help those struggling in the industry. These include a $500,000 adaptation and mitigation program that allows industry members to purchase things like nursery and hatchery equipment.

She said some in the industry are also in discussions with Finance P.E.I. about loan deferrals, which are being handled on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, there are support programs through the Employment Assistance Program, existing industry collaboration projects, and workforce and advanced learning programs focused on retraining.

Work on new aquaculture legislation

Gill told MLAs there have also been discussions about developing new aquaculture legislation, something P.E.I. currently lacks.

She said such an act would regulate the activity of culturing fish, both on land and in water.

“In other jurisdictions, they have legislation in place with regulations that accompany them, for leasing, licensing,  for aquatic animal health, for science and development, and even forming agreements with other departments,” she said.