N.B. government spending $12M on oyster industry as it deals with MSX, Dermo

The New Brunswick government is spending roughly $12 million on the oyster industry as it grapples with two diseases that stunt the growth of the shellfish.

MSX (also known as multinucleate sphere unknown) and Dermo (also known as Perkinsosis) were first detected in New Brunswick in 2024. Both diseases, which pose no health threats to humans, can lower the growth rate of oysters and increase their mortality.

“Oyster producers are facing a very difficult and uncertain situation, but this is an industry that is incredibly important to New Brunswick’s coastal economy, and to many families and communities,” said Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Pat Finnigan in a news release.

The provincial government notes oyster production generated $35.7 million in 2024 and supports 650 jobs.

To combat the oyster diseases, the province has launched the following programs:

• up to $8 million across three years to help producers retain skilled workers in heavily-affected areas
• up to $3.5 million to help producers impacted by oyster mortalities with inventory losses, operational costs and site cleanup
• up to $265,000 for free individualized financial diagnostic services to assess operational impacts and identify risks
• $250,000 annually to expand oyster disease surveillance

Last week the federal government said it would be giving $4.6 million to the New Brunswick oyster industry through the Community Business Development Corporation Kent, which helps entrepreneurs in rural communities.

MSX and Dermo have also been detected in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec.

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.