Expansion of the PEI Off-Bottom Oyster Aquaculture Industry

201 Pages·2010·12.26 MB·English

Expansion of the
PEI Off-Bottom
Oyster
Aquaculture
Industry
Opportunities, Barriers &
Developments

Prince Edward Island Aquaculture Alliance
& Island Oyster Growers Group Workshop
Sle m o n Par k , Pr i n c e Ed w ar d Islan d

Pr e p ar e d b y
Cr yst al M c Do n ald
Car p e Die m Co n su lt in g
Fe b r u ar y 26, 201 0
This is report MG-10-01-007 for the
Aquaculture Collaboration Research and Development Program
Acknowledgements

The Prince Edward Island Aquaculture Alliance and the Island Oyster Growers Group would like to thank
the Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program for its generous support of this
project. We would also like to thank the presenters for their informative presentations, the exhibitors for
providing practical displays, and the consultant, Crystal McDonald of Carpe Diem Consulting, for her
facilitation of the workshop and development of the following report.
And to all of the oyster growers that participated in this event we would like to extend our sincere
gratitude for your continued willingness to share your knowledge and experiences with the workshop
participants and your fellow oyster growers.

Expansion of the PEI Oyster Aquaculture Industry: Opportunities, Barriers and Developments
February 26, 2010 i
Table of Contents

Expansion of the PEI Oyster Aquaculture Industry: The Continued Development of Off-bottom Oyster
Culture .......................................................................................................................................................... 1
Background ............................................................................................................................................... 1
Opportunities, Barriers & Development ................................................................................................... 2
Session 1: Research Project Updates & Industry Feedback .................................................................. 2
Oyster Monitoring Program 2009 ......................................................................................................... 2
Off-Bottom Monitoring Program .......................................................................................................... 3
Management of Fouling Organisms on PEI Oyster Aquaculture Operations ........................................ 5
Oyster Predator Control ........................................................................................................................ 6
Fouling Control Options ........................................................................................................................ 7
Green Crabs as Predators on Oyster Aquaculture Leases ..................................................................... 9
Bird Deterrents on Floating Oyster Gear ............................................................................................. 10
Impacts of Suspended Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) Aquaculture on Eelgrass (Zostera marina) ..... 12
Research and Development Priorities .................................................................................................... 13
Minister’s Remarks ................................................................................................................................. 14
Key Note Address .................................................................................................................................... 15
Session 2: Regulatory Barriers ................................................................................................................ 17
DFO Oyster Surveillance in the Maritimes .......................................................................................... 17
MSX Distribution and Mortality Study ................................................................................................ 18
Wastewater Treatment Plant Issues ................................................................................................... 19
Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program (CSSP) Update ....................................................................... 21
Aquaculture Activities and Commercial Shellfish Interactions ............................................................ 22
Industry Priorities Discussion ...................................................................................................................... 25
Exhibitor Product and Contact Information................................................................................................ 26
Measuring Success against the Workshop Objectives ................................................................................ 29
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................... 30

Expansion of the PEI Oyster Aquaculture Industry: Opportunities, Barriers and Developments
February 26, 2010 Page ii
Appendix A .................................................................................................................................................... 1
Workshop Flyer & Agenda ........................................................................................................................ 1
Appendix B .................................................................................................................................................... 2
Workshop Participant List ......................................................................................................................... 2
Appendix C .................................................................................................................................................... 3
Session 1: Research Project Updates & Industry Feedback Presentations............................................... 3
Appendix D .................................................................................................................................................... 4
Session 2: Regulatory Barriers Presentations ........................................................................................... 4

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Expansion of the PEI Oyster Aquaculture Industry: The Continued
Development of Off-bottom Oyster Culture

Background
Prince Edward Island has a long history in oyster development. As early as 1865 individuals were able to
lease specific areas to bottom culture oysters and in the 1990s there were significant efforts to expand
the production of oysters on private leases, especially using off-bottom and water column culturing
techniques. However, these efforts stalled out in the late 1990s and have only recently been given new
priority by both industry and government.
Currently, PEI is the largest oyster producing province in Atlantic Canada, and the second largest in
Canada. The harvest data collected for oysters is a combination of wild fishery and aquaculture
landings, however, it is estimated that of the 5.6 million pounds of oysters landed in 2008 at least 30
percent are attributable to aquaculture leases. As well, because cultured production techniques produce
a higher percentage of “choice” oysters, the actual dollar value of cultured oyster production on PEI may
be as high as 50 percent of the annual figure ($2.827 million for 2008).
While off-bottom oyster culture has been expanding in Atlantic Canada over the last few years, the most
dramatic increase in production has occurred in New Brunswick. Recent efforts to expand the PEI oyster
aquaculture industry have been aided by the partial lifting of the moratorium on applications to convert
existing bottom leases. In 2009, thirty nine bottom leases were converted to off-bottom and additional
applications are now being accepted in specific areas. Several programs have also been made available
to growers since 2008 to allow them to develop both bottom and off-bottom production.
During the winter of 2007, the IOGG contracted Carpe Diem Consulting to evaluate the potential to
expand the cultivation of quality oysters on PEI. The resulting report, titled Evaluation of the Potential to
Expand the Prince Edward Island Oyster Culture Industry, detailed the actions that would be required in
order to expand the industry over a five year span. Some of the short term actions included opening
access to surface/water column leases, developing invasive species control techniques, researching a
number of areas that affect the ability of the industry to be successful and the development of “a forum
for the timely sharing of research results in a practical and attractive manner.”
On February 26, 2010 the PEI Aquaculture Alliance on behalf of the IOGG held a workshop at the Slemon
Park Hotel and Conference Centre in Summerside, PEI. (See Appendix A and Appendix B.) The workshop,
titled Expansion of the PEI Oyster Aquaculture Industry and the Continued Development of Off-Bottom
Oyster Culture: Opportunities, Barriers and Developments, was funded in part by the Aquaculture
Collaborative Research and Development Program (ACDRP) and provided a venue to:
 Inform growers about new developments and technologies related to Oyster Aquaculture;

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 Present results from research and development projects and programs;
 Facilitate discussion with industry members on the way they would like to see their strategic goals
achieved and the barriers they see to that achievement;
 Provide an opportunity for growers to interact, sharing their knowledge and experience.
The following report is a summary of the presentations and discussions held throughout the
informative, day-long workshop.

Opportunities, Barriers & Development
The workshop, titled, Expansion of the PEI Oyster Aquaculture Industry and the Continued Development
of Off-Bottom Oyster Culture: Opportunities, Barriers and Developments included both formal
presentations, a trade show component where suppliers/manufacturers could display and discuss new
technologies with interested growers, and numerous networking opportunities throughout the day
whereby new growers could interact with older, experienced growers and with government and
research representatives. The day was split into two sessions (morning and afternoon) with a key note
speaker at lunch time.
Session 1: Research Project Updates & Industry Feedback
The morning session, Research Project Updates & Industry Feedback, included seven 15-20 minute
presentations on various research initiatives currently being carried out in the region and having some
significance to the PEI off-bottom oyster industry. (See Appendix C, Session 1: Research Updates &
Industry Feedback Presentations.) The following is a short summary of each of the presentations and
follow-up questions and answers:
Oyster Monitoring Program 2009
Presenter: Matt Smith, Oyster Technician
PEI Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development

In 2009 the Oyster Monitoring Program collected data from 16 sites and 11 river systems. Eastern
samples were collected from the West River, East River (Cranberry Wharf, Kennie MacWilliams
Seafood), Vernon Bridge and Orwell. Western samples were collected from Bideford (Station, Paugh’s,
Old Wharf, Green Park), Montrose, Mill River, Foxley River, Enmore, Bentick Cove, Bedeque and
Wilmont. Water samples were obtained by towing a 2.5 metre long plankton net (30 centimetre
diameter mouth; 63 um mesh) and bucket from the surface to mid-water for five minutes. The contents
of the bucket were then transferred to a one litre sample bottle and taken to the lab where they were
screened and a one millilitre sub-sample was placed on a slide for microscopic examination. Each of the
larvae in the sub-sample was then measured and the information recorded.

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Determining the best time to set oyster collectors depends on:
 The history of the area - The presenter indicated that one of the most valuable things in
determining when to set the collectors is knowledge about the history of broodstock presence
and spat settlement in the area. For example, Ellerslie has a great history of big numbers of spat
present while other areas are substantially poorer.
 Examining the gonads of the adult oysters in the area – Ripe gonads in adult oysters indicate
readiness to spawn and release larvae into the water.
 The water temperature in the area – Research has shown that the temperature of the water in
the area provides a pretty good indication of when larvae are going to spawn. Water
temperatures of 20 to 24 degrees Celsius will result in incremental increases in the growth of
the larvae post spawning.
 The levels of oyster larvae present – Within one to three days of when the number of larvae
present is above 250 microns is when a grower wants to set the collectors, since research has
indicated that the first big set on shells usually occurs with the first big bump. The short term
collectors (STC) and long term collectors (LTC) data gained clearly shows a peak in the number
of spat on the collectors in direct relation to the first wave of larvae above 250 microns. This
oyster larvae information will be available through the toll-free DFARD number (1-800-831-
5801) in 2010.

The presenter indicated that DFARD was looking to the industry for input on other areas that should be
sampled, reporting methods, possible areas to eliminate/add, and potential new spat collection areas.
Questions/comments from the floor included:
 The need for information on the oyster monitoring hotline regarding mussel larvae counts and
sizes. Some areas wait for the mussel spat set to be completed prior to setting their oyster
collectors. The information is available for many areas on the Mussel Monitoring website at
http://www.gov.pe.ca/fard/fisheries/area.php3?area=9, but only until the end of July. The
province will look at whether there are additional areas to collect this information for and
whether the collection period should be lengthened (e.g., in Orwell).

Off-Bottom Monitoring Program
Presenter: Kim Gill, Shellfish Aquaculture Biologist
PEI Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development

Recently there has been an increase in the types (OysterGro and Floating bags) and numbers of off-
bottom oyster production units being used, as well as in off-bottom production levels, including the

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approval of 39 off-bottom oyster aquaculture sites in 2009. The PEI Department of Fisheries,
Aquaculture and Rural Development (DFARD) has implemented several studies over the years to
monitor various important aspects of the industry:
 The Oyster Monitoring Program in place since 2001 to monitor the size of oyster larvae in
primary seed collection areas.
 Oysters grown in rack and bags monitored for three years (1997-1999) to evaluate growth and
performance (Technical Report #222).
 Oysters monitored in off-bottom culture for stocking density (Aqua Info Note 02.2001), subtidal
vs. intertidal growth (Aqua Info Note 07.2001) and floating bags vs. bags on rebar racks (Aqua
Info Note 08.2001)
In response to the expansion of the sector and the diversity of the production units available, DFARD is
hoping to implement a new Off-Bottom Monitoring Program this year. The program will monitor and
evaluate the performance of oysters grown in the OysterGro and floating bag systems using a similar
protocol to that used in New Brunswick so that the results can be compared. There are currently 13
potential sites (Bideford River, Conway Narrows, Darnley Basin, Dock River, Enmore River, Kildare River,
Lennox Channel, Mill River, Orwell Bay, Souris River, West River, and two sites in Foxley River) being
discussed, however the department is willing to discuss additional sites. Oysters will be put on a lease
based on their average size at the start of the trial (Size 1: oysters up to 30 millimetres; Size 2: oysters
from 31 to 50 millimetres; Size 3: oysters from 51 to 65 millimetres; Size 4: oysters greater than 65
millimetres). It is anticipated that there will be three sampling periods (spring, summer and fall)
although the presenter questioned the industry on the need for the summer samples. In each sample,
30 oysters will be measured for length, width, thickness and weight and the total volume of the bags will
also be taken. Anyone wishing to take part in the program was encouraged to contact the department.
The presenter indicated that there were remaining questions to be addressed regarding the program,
including: positioning of the OysterGro units and floating bags on the 13 sites; whether the oysters that
are already on the leases should be measured for comparison; whether growers would be willing to add
the new units to their management plans to address fouling on the units; the best way to overwinter the
units; and whether the units should be observed prior to raising them to detect any impact the
overwintering may have had on the unit and the oysters in the unit.
Questions/comments from the floor included:
 Growers urged the presenter to begin the program this season, to include all three sampling
periods, and to add the Dock River (“motel branch”).

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Management of Fouling Organisms on PEI Oyster Aquaculture Operations
Presenter: Kim Gill, Shellfish Aquaculture Biologist
PEI Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development

In response to changes in off-bottom oyster production technology, DFARD implemented a project to
determine the effectiveness of the OysterGro system versus the floating bag system to address fouling
issues (including second set mussels/oysters, sea squirts, algae, clubbed tunicates, golden star tunicates,
violet tunicates, and vase tunicates).
The OysterGro system trials involved observing six units per site (June to October). Each unit held six
oyster bags (three bags with 30.8 millimetre oysters, and three bags with 46.0 millimetre oysters). The
units were flipped for 24 hours every two weeks resulting in the bags being exposed to the air for a 24
hour period. Oysters at the Savage Harbour and Montague River sites had good growth (10 to 18
millimetres). Oysters in March Water did not have as good growth results, likely due to the site location
(i.e., highly exposed area). Oysters in all sites had low mortality (2 to 4 percent) and although the units
had some fouling, it was easily controlled using the 24 hour air exposure.
The floating bag trials involved observing six bags of 30.8 millimetres oysters at each site (June to
October). The bags were flipped every two weeks. The oysters experienced good growth (8 to 14
millimetres) and low mortality (1.8 percent). While the bags had a small amount of fouling, it was easily
controlled using air exposure.
The presenter concluded that both the OysterGro system and the floating bags offered good growth,
low mortality and good fouling control when they were flipped every two weeks.
Questions/comments from the floor included:
 Growers indicated they would like to see volume numbers included in the report.
 The presenter indicated that there would be a sign up sheet at the registration desk for anyone
wanting to receive a copy of this report or the Aqua Info Notes as they were developed.
 One grower indicated that in his experience stress helps the growth rate of oysters so some
fouling on the oysters was not necessarily a bad thing.
 Currently the province is looking at oyster bags with floats on the sides. Growers urged them to
put out some bags with the floats on the top of the bags so that the growing conditions would
be more comparable with the technology currently being used by PEI oyster growers. They also
asked that the bags with the floats on the side continue to be monitored.

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