mission statement
The objective of the PEI Shellfish Association is to develop the industry of shell fishing and protect the interest of oyster fishermen in PEI. To encourage and promote the oyster industry and collect, circulate statistics, general information and other material which may be of assistance to the oyster industry. To promote research, development and education and to make recommendations to the Provincial and Federal Governments as well as conduct projects in oyster shellfish improvement.
ellerslie shellfish station
In 2003 the Federal Government signed over a portion of the property and equipment to the Shellfish Association. The property was known as the Ellerslie Biological Station. Although challenging we have been able to operate the station with no deficit.
The Bideford River is and has been the most productive river system for spat collection in the Province. As well as ourselves many private leaseholders use the facility for a seed collection site. The slip and wharf facility is very important to the coastal inshore fisheries. Both DFO and Provincial Fisheries utilize the facility as a launching site and base of operations.
A harbor authority has been set up, buildings have been rented, slip and docking fees have been put in place, and some incidental rentals have contributed in financing the facility.
Since the 1970’s both the number of fishers and the numbers of pounds landed have steadily increased. In 1970 there were approximately 100 active fishers to approximately 700 active fishers in 2005 and landings of 7,000,000 pounds.
We feel with the efforts of the Association and our enhancement projects we have significantly contributed to this increase.