Supports for Prince Edward Island Oyster Industry
The Government of Prince Edward Island is providing financial relief and mental health supports to fishers, growers, and processors impacted by the emergence of MSX and Dermo in Island waters.
Oyster Growers Income Stabilization Program
The Oyster Growers Income Stabilization Program is designed to provide financial stability to eligible oyster growers who experience significant revenue declines due to the unforeseen, uncontrollable factors associated with MSX and/or Dermo, or market disruptions due to the arrival of MSX and Dermo in PEI. The goal of the program is to provide a financial safety net to eligible oyster growers when their current year’s aquaculture operation revenue falls below a defined historical average to support growers through this challenging period as they plan for their future.
Oyster Processors Inventory Mitigation Program
The Oyster Processors Inventory Mitigation Program is designed as a grant program which aims to reduce and offset financial risks for oyster processors by de-risking the purchasing and holding of oysters prior to selling to markets. This will assist in reducing disruptions in the purchasing of oysters from growers and fishers by mitigating potential financial impacts to PEI’s oyster industry as a result of the threats of oyster diseases.
Oyster Fishers Training Fund
The Oyster Fishers Training Fund will assist impacted fishers by providing funding for retraining opportunities. Through this fund, industry members can access financial aid to cover tuition and basic living expenses while participating in programs that help them transition to long-term, sustainable employment. For information, and to apply, call 1-877-491-4766.
Employment Support Program for Oyster Fishers
The Employment Support Program for Oyster Fishers will provide wage reimbursement to employers hiring impacted fishers. Employers hiring eligible individuals may receive a wage reimbursement of 50 per cent, up to a maximum of $8,000 per individual. For information, and to apply, call 1-877-491-4766.
Oyster Disease Adaptation and Mitigation Program
The Oyster Disease Adaptation and Mitigation Program is designed to assist the oyster industry in exploring and undertaking adaptation and mitigation measures specific to addressing the threats of newly discovered oyster diseases (i.e., MSX and Dermo) in PEI. The Program is intended to be flexible, reactive to industry challenges, and responsive to industry needs. The Program aims to reduce financial risks in a time of crisis and in need of immediate action, improve understanding of oyster disease mitigation and adaptation measures, and improve viable oyster seed supplies.
Mental Health
The Fisher Assistance Program and Aquaculture Farm Assistance Program provide confidential counselling services to the industry, their families, and employees.
Confidential services are available free of charge 24 hours a day by calling a counselling coordinator (902) 894-8006 or toll-free 1-800-736-8006.