Shellfish industry awards presented during festival

By Andy Walker

SOU’WESTER

Four leading members of the P.E.I. shellfish industry were recognized for their contributions to the growth and development of the industry during the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival.

Blair and Evelyn Smith of Fairview and B.J. Mussel Farms of Kensington were presented with the 2008 Provincial Minister’s Shellfish Recognitions Awards by Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Allan Campbell. Nominations for the awards come from industry organizations, fellow industry members and the general public.

"I am pleased to congratulate this year’s recipients for their significant efforts to strength production practices, improve quality and promote shellfish products in domestic and international markets," said Campbell. "Through their hard work and dedication, they have contributed to the continued growth and development of the shellfish industry in this province."

Blair and Evelyn Smith have fished oysters and quahogs for 45 years. In the 1980s, they began to devote full-time efforts to the fishery. They are active members of the Queens County Fishermen’s Association serving many years as president and secretary-treasurer and the Prince Edward Island Shellfish Association. Blair Smith has actively promoted Island oysters on behalf of the industry and the provincial government throughout Canada, the United States and Ireland. He is a 13-time winner of the International Oyster Shucking Championship held each year in Tyne Valley.

B.J. Mussel Farms of Kensington was established in 1985 by Blair Ramsay and Jerry Adams. Both former lobster fishers, they developed their leases in Malpeque Bay through the introduction of a number of new innovations and practices.

They shared their experiences and ideas with other growers as the industry continued to grow. In 1989, they partnered with David and Dawson Cole to establish Prince Edward Aqua Farms and the internationally recognized Island Gold brand. The plant currently employs 50 people year round in the plant and another 12 to 15 in harvesting. Blair Ramsay died suddenly as a result of an accident in 2006. Adams and his widow Debbie accepted the award.

The shellfish recognition awards are presented annually to individuals for their success and leadership in shellfish harvesting, culture, processing and marketing.