The federal and provincial governments are providing more than $2 million to support the redevelopment of the oyster fishery in the Bras d’Or Lakes by addressing the spread of a devastating parasite and providing oyster seed.
Provincial Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Steve Craig and Cape Breton-Canso MP Mike Kelloway say the Verschuren Centre for Sustainability and Environment in Sydney will develop a land-based oyster hatchery to prepare breeding stock and provide healthy larvae to oyster growers. Its lab will decontaminate equipment and water to prevent the spread of the parasite which has sidelined the industry for the past 15 years.
Previously the area saw about 80 per cent of oyster landings in Nova Scotia.