Aquaculture industry to introduce more environmentally friendly buoys

A new pilot project is focusing on replacing existing buoys in PEI waterways with more environmentally friendly and sustainable buoys.

The Expanded Polystyrene Replacement Program will work with identified stakeholders in the aquaculture industry to remove approximately 40,000 polystyrene buoys and replace them with buoys that are more durable. 

“We are very pleased to collaborate with the aquaculture industry on this project to help fund an innovative, cost saving product that also benefits our waterways and the surrounding ecosystem. Our hope is that this program will continue to grow so we can eventually replace the millions of polystyrene buoys that exist in our waterways.”

- Fisheries and Communities Minister Jamie Fox

Delivered by the PEI Aquaculture Alliance, the Expanded Polystyrene Replacement Program requires a minimum replacement of one polystyrene buoy for every new buoy, and covers 50% of the costs of the replacements as well as the fees associated with disposing the old buoys.

“The PEI Aquaculture Alliance is extremely grateful this this Provincial initiative, which will accelerate the replacement of existing polystyrene flotations with newer more environmentally friendly alternatives,” said Executive Director of the PEI Aquaculture Alliance Peter Warris. “All Island aquaculture operations are committed to minimizing shoreline waste, and these new buoys will assist in that as they are more durable and less likely to breakup.”

The Department of Fisheries and Communities will work with Island Waste Management Corporation to ensure the proper collection, storage, and disposal of buoys for this project.

Media Contact:
Kip Ready
Department of Fisheries and Communities
kjready@gov.pe.ca
(902)314-3407