P.E.I. spending $1.3M on new programs to support oyster fishers affected by MSX, Dermo

A deadly parasite is biting into one of Canada’s most prized catches: oysters. (CTV News)

The Government of Prince Edward Island has introduced two new assistance programs for oyster fishers on the island.

The programs will support oyster fishers directly affected by MSX and Dermo, diseases prevalent in Island waters.

The province says the Oyster Fishers Training Fund will provide funding to retrain fishers. Industry members can access financial aid to cover tuition and basic living expenses through the fund while participating in the training programs.

The Employment Support Program for Oyster Fishers is also being offered by the province. It will provide wage reimbursement to employers hiring impacted fishers. The wage reimbursement for employers is 50 per cent, up to a maximum of $8,000 per person.

“The Island’s oyster industry is a backbone of our rural communities and local economies, but MSX and Dermo are complex, unpredictable diseases that are reshaping the future of the industry,” said Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture Minister Zack Bell. “As a government, our goal is to work with industry to ensure it has stability while safeguarding the long-term viability of the sector.”

P.E.I. is the largest oyster producer in Eastern Canada and the second-largest oyster producer in the country.

The province says, in 2024, combined landed value of oysters from both commercial fishery and aquaculture operations on P.E.I. exceeded $27 million, translating to an estimated $54 million in total economic value to the province.

“This industry is facing significant challenges, and support is essential,” said Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population Minister Jenn Redmond. “Through SkillsPEI, the two new programs will provide targeted assistance to protect livelihoods, sustain businesses, and help communities work through these difficult times.”

There are an estimated 250 active oyster fishers, 300 oyster growers and 18 oyster processors on P.E.I.

The province is spending around $1.3 million on the programs through SkillsPEI. More information and applications for the programs can be found online.

Dermo and MSX are deadly parasites that have affected the P.E.I. oyster industry in recent years. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says neither pose risks to human health or food safety, but they are highly damaging to oysters.

With files from CTV News’ Maria Sarrouh

For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page.