Summerside, Prince Edward Island - The Government of Canada is taking action to support affected wild oyster harvesters in Atlantic Canada who are facing substantial losses due to the spread of Multinucleate Sphere Unknown (MSX) and Dermo. This growing threat has significantly impacted wild oyster populations and harvesters, requiring strong action from governments and industry partners.
Today, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, announced the launch of the Oyster Licence Retirement Grant Program. This time-limited, voluntary program is designed to ease pressure on severely depleted wild oyster stocks by supporting an orderly transition for affected harvesters in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick who are highly dependent on oyster harvesting as a source of fishing income. The program addresses pressures specific to the wild fishery, while other federal supports continue to assist commercial oyster growers.
Eligible licence holders who apply for the Program receive $40,000 in exchange for the permanent retirement of their wild oyster licence(s) and/or permit(s). Active wild oyster licence holders, including holders of spring permits, fall licences and/or mollusk unspecified permits can apply. If approved, a harvester's wild oyster fishing access (through licence(s) and/or permit) would be permanently retired and they would not obtain oyster fishing access for ten years. This is in keeping with the program's goal of stabilizing the wild oyster population for long-term recovery.
