“The oyster fishery is very important to the Prince Edward Island economy. This investment will support more than 700 active fishers who harvest oysters and quahaugs across the province,” said Minister MacKinley. “We are very pleased to develop more oyster beds and improve the quality of oysters on existing grounds.”

The department has approved $100,000 in funding to partner with the PEI Shellfish Association to carry out projects that include collecting and spreading oyster seed and moving one-year juvenile oysters to beds across the province.

“The PEI Shellfish Association is to be commended for the excellent work it does improving the industry and ensuring its sustainability into the future,” said Minister MacKinley.

The department is pleased to provide labour support for the program through the Employment Development Agency.

More than 5.5 million pounds of oysters, with a value of $5.8 million, were harvested in 2011.

“We are pleased to support our oyster fishers who work very hard harvesting this high-quality product that is sold in restaurants all over North America. Malpeque Oysters and many other popular brands have put Prince Edward Island on the map,” said the Minister.