The decision to hold the conference was recently made at the conclusion of the 7th International Conference and Workshop on Lobster Biology and Management, held in Hobart, Tasmania in February. Dr. Stewart Frusher, Convenor of the Hobart Conference, informed Dr. Jean Lavallée, Clinical Scientist for the Atlantic Veterinary College Lobster Science Centre, that the organizing committee had accepted Prince Edward Island’s impressive bid to host the next international conference.

The announcement that Prince Edward Island will be hosting the prestigious conference was made in the Legislature today by Agriculture, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Forestry Minister Kevin MacAdam.

“This major international conference and workshop is an excellent opportunity to showcase Prince Edward Island’s lobster industry, its achievements in research and development, the technologies associated with it, and the approach to conservation and management to people from around the world,” said Mr. MacAdam. “At the same time, it will enable us to expand our contacts with other lobster-producing areas and provide the opportunity to develop new markets for products and services.”

Barry MacPhee, Manager of Marine Fisheries for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Forestry, along with Dr. Lavallée, will co-chair the Charlottetown conference.

“This conference has both scientific and economic significance for our province,” says Dr. Lavallée. “We anticipate that approximately 350 international delegates will travel to Prince Edward Island to participate in the conference. The forum will provide the opportunity for scientists, fisheries managers, fishermen, processors and other industry participants from more than 20 countries to meet for a week of research presentations, symposia and discussions on the future of lobster biology and management.”

This will be the first time the International Conference and Workshop on Lobster Biology and Management will be hosted in Prince Edward Island.

The Atlantic Veterinary College is committed to excellence in teaching, research and service. For more information on the Atlantic Veterinary College Lobster Science Centre, please visit www.lobsterscience.ca.