Federal Government Invests in Resilience for Atlantic Shellfish Industry

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

October 17, 2025 · Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Canada’s shellfish industry is a vital part of Atlantic communities, supporting jobs and contributing to local economies. Recent challenges, including the impacts of Hurricane Fiona and the MSX shellfish disease, have underscored the need for strong collaboration between government, industry and academia to enhance the sector’s resilience.

Today, Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, announced close to $1M in non-repayable support for three projects to strengthen the shellfish industry. This includes $613,964 to the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) for the development of a state-of-the-art diagnostic testing system. The support will enable UPEI to deliver timely, accurate shellfish health assessments and improve industry response to emerging threats.

This federal investment was announced on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

Today’s news conference demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to strengthen traditional industries through innovation, building an economy that works for all Canadians.

Quotes

“We are listening to the harvesters and producers who lead this industry, and understand the immense challenges they face. These investments are an important step forward in creating more opportunity, employment, and sustainability in the sector.”

– Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“The health of our shellfish industry is important for Islanders and the Island’s economy. Our government is dedicated to working with stakeholders across our agri-food ecosystem to ensure that we take an informed and innovative approach to building a strong future for this vital part of our economy.”

– Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Member of Parliament for Malpeque.

“We appreciate this tremendous support from the Government of Canada for this innovative rapid-response diagnostic and testing system and the development of a research cluster of excellence at UPEI. This investment will help ensure the future sustainability of Atlantic Canada’s shellfish industry, especially important in light of recent threats like MSX and Dermo on PEI. Together, we are increasing scientific knowledge that will strengthen our ability to protect the health of our coastal environments and the livelihoods of those who depend on them.”

– Dr. Wendy Rodgers, President and Vice-Chancellor, UPEI

Quick facts

• Federal funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program:o   A non-repayable contribution of $613,964 to the University of Prince Edward Island to help establish a world-class rapid response testing system for the Atlantic Shellfish Industry.

  o   A non-repayable contribution of $61,200 to the University of Prince Edward Island to support a strategy toward establishing a research cluster of excellence in Atlantic shellfish health.

  o   A non-repayable contribution of $315,640 to Lennox Island Development Corporation to support capacity building, training, and equipment upgrades to the Bideford shellfish hatchery.

• The Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island houses research and service centres focusing on aquatic and terrestrial animal health, veterinary epidemiology, biomedical research, animal welfare, and diagnostic testing for aquatic and land-based animals.
• The Lennox Island Development Corporation operates as the economic development arm of the Lennox Island First Nation. Its mandate is to identify and develop strategic business opportunities promoting and enhancing the economic development of the community.
• The Bideford Shellfish Hatchery is a premium supplier of Prince Edward Island-based hatchery seed, dedicated to providing shellfish growers access to safe, dependable, fast-growing, high-quality seed.

Associated links

• Aquatic Diagnostic Services at the Atlantic Veterinary College
• Bideford Shellfish Hatchery

Contacts
Natasha Kochhar
Director of Projects and Caucus Relations
Office of the Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Natasha.Kochhar@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

David Fleming
Communications Manager
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
david.fleming@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Nicole Phillips
Director of Communications and University Relations
University of Prince Edward Island
nphillips@upei.ca

Mike Randall
Executive Director
Lennox Island Development Corporation
mike.randall@lennoxisland.com

NT5