Oyster farmers in Prince Edward Island are facing a crisis as they are forced to remove their dead oysters from the water and stack them along roadsides and driveways. The industry is reeling from the impact of MSX and dermo diseases, which are harmful to mollusks but not to humans, leading to significant losses in the sector.
After the winter season, many fishermen are discovering that all their oysters have perished when they haul up their cages. Kyle Hardy, an oyster harvester, expressed the devastation of finding their entire stock dead and having to pile them up away from the water to prevent the parasites from spreading further.
Tyler Hardy, who has been involved in the industry since a young age, recounted discarding nearly $100,000 worth of dead oysters in a single day. Faced with such losses, he is contemplating transitioning to other job opportunities, such as the trucking sector, though his heart remains tied to the water where his family has long been involved.
Gordon Jeffery, a veteran in the industry with over 50 years of experience, voiced concerns about the lack of government support amidst the crisis. The financial impact of disposing of dead oysters is significant, with many families and individuals in the industry facing hardships.
The uncertainty surrounding the future of the oyster industry looms large, with growers awaiting seed from the United States, which will take approximately three years to mature into harvestable oysters. Despite the long-standing tradition of oyster farming in their families, many growers are contemplating seeking alternative employment due to the lack of assistance from both provincial and federal governments.
The situation is dire, with millions of dollars at stake and little support forthcoming. The potential loss of livelihoods and the impact on future generations of fishermen add to the urgency of the situation. The resilience of the industry and the determination of the farmers to persevere through these challenging times underscore the deep-rooted connection they have to their trade.