P.E.I. fisheries department takes cut in budget

By Andy Walker

Sou’Wester

Despite the announcement of some new initiatives, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture took a slight cut when the P.E.I. government unveiled its 2008-2009 budget.

Projected spending for the fisheries and aquaculture section of the department (its scope was recently expanded to include rural development) is set at $7,226,400 compared to $7,993,900 in last year’s budget. Actual spending by the department in the last fiscal year was $8,102,300.

The fishery rates a little less than a page in the 56-page document. Provincial Treasurer Wes Sheridan said in his address $100,000 has been allocated for the inaugural year of a four-year lobster initiative. The study is designed to help identify why catches have declined, especially on the province’s south side and explore new markets.

The province also plans to work with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the P.E.I. Aquaculture Alliance to establish a mussel productivity improvement fund. He explained the fund will be used to help fight invasive species such as tunicate.

As well, $100,000 is allocated to an oyster development program. The money will be used to expand the current enhancement program carried out by the P.E.I. Shellfish Association, create a new quality oyster aquaculture program and help improve access to the shore for oyster fishers and producers.