‘On the verge of collapse’: P.E.I. fishers push for immediate relief as parasites cut into catches

P.E.I. fishers call for federal help as they stand on the brink of bankruptcy after a parasite wiped out large parts of their yields.

Some oyster fishers on P.E.I. say their livelihoods are at risk as two diseases devastate catches.

MSX and Dermo, parasites that don’t hurt humans but can kill or stunt the growth of oysters, are slashing yields for fishers like Robert Bernard.

He says the diseases wiped out his lease in Percival River, killing 95 per cent of the sellable oysters he’s been growing for three years. Now, he says he’s on the brink of bankruptcy and he’s not alone.

“(It’s) Beyond stress. You don’t eat. You don’t sleep. Your body is destroyed mentally. And it’s a very scary time for a lot of people that I talked to,” Bernard said.

Not all waters are as hard hit. Some fishers report losses between 10 and 40 per cent depending on where their leases are. But others are grappling with significant loss and Bernard says some are walking away from the industry altogether.

Last year, he sold $160,000 worth of oysters. This year, he sold $8,200.

He couldn’t hire help, meaning he had to care for 900 cages on his own. While some shellfish harvesters can fall back on other species, some rely entirely on oysters, like Bernard.

“It’s like a wildfire. All the other rivers, they know it’s coming, and it’s coming fast,” Bernard said. “This time next year, I think the majority of everything, wild oysters, cultured oysters are going to be wiped off. Sad to say, but that’s how most of us feel.”

‘On the verge of collapse’

The pressure starts on the water and runs through processing plants. Oyster buyers too, say they’re weathering heavy losses.

“This industry has been self-sustaining for hundreds of years, and it’s on the verge of collapse if we don’t do something,” said Thomas Burleigh, general manager at Burleigh Bros. Seafood.

Burleigh says his company paused purchases initially because of high mortality rates, then reversed course, choosing to implement limitations instead. They used to support 100 fishers during the fall season. It’s now down to 20.

After buying oysters, Burleigh’s team moves them to saltier waters for 21 days before final harvest as a quality-control measure. Within those three weeks, he says 20 to 30 per cent are dying, creating huge financial losses.

“There’s at least $200,000 to $300,000 worth of inventory that we’re not going to be able to recover,” Burleigh said. “You hear the stories of people having a hard time putting gas in their cars or being able to feed their kids. But what do you do at the end of the day? Like you’re just trying to survive.”

While water temperatures and salinity play a role, Burleigh says MSX and Dermo are doing most of the damage.

Both Burleigh and Bernard say wild fishers, growers and some processors need immediate financial relief.

“We’re 14 months into this MSX crisis, and so far, there’s been a little bit of funding announced at the provincial level, but most of it’s just been talk,” Burleigh adds.

Relief funding

April Gallant, with P.E.I.’s Department of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture, said $2.72 million in initiatives has been approved under the Aquaculture Contingency Fund.

That includes funding for expanding diagnostics capacity, nursery equipment support and industry-led adaptation and mitigation projects, among other initiatives. While some money has been earmarked for local shellfish associations to support staffing and wage subsidies, CTV News’ questions about how much were not answered.

“From the outset, our government’s priority has been to protect the long-term viability of this vital sector,” Gallant said. “That’s why initial investments were directed toward research, testing and surveillance.”

Gallant said only recently has the industry gained a clearer picture of the financial impact, now that there’s been both a fall and spring season. Those insights are shaping the next phase of the province’s response, which will include financial support programs. She did not say when that help will arrive.

The P.E.I. Aquaculture Alliance estimates the oyster industry generates about $54 million in economic spinoffs for the provincial economy, mostly in rural communities.

Executive director Peter Warris said he doesn’t believe the industry will fold, but it needs help.

“The industry is made up of hundreds of individual operators and businesses, some of whom are being impacted more than others, right now,” Warris said. “That being said, those being affected now do need support immediately, and whatever supports are put into place need to be long-term and sustainable, with the capacity to deal with larger numbers if necessary.”

Warris is also calling for interest relief or loan-payment suspensions from Finance P.E.I. and other institutions; procurement supports to reduce risk for processors buying and holding oysters; wage subsidies to offset extra labour; and training on nursery systems and proper handling of hatchery-raised seed.

He adds that the provincial government is “well aware” of the issues, but it’s time for the federal government to step up.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada did not answer whether federal help is being considered, saying the provincial department would be best suited to respond.

Gallant says the province is advocating to the federal government on Employment Insurance reforms, the inclusion of aquaculture in business risk management programs and other measures.