The Prince Edward Island Shellfish Association has expressed dissatisfaction with the federal government’s introduction of a license buyback program for oyster harvesters without incorporating their recommendations. According to Bob MacLeod, the association’s president, the group’s proposed multi-stage buyback plan, developed with the help of a consultant, was largely disregarded in the final federal program.

Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson recently unveiled the Oyster Licence Retirement Grant Program, offering wild oyster harvesters in P.E.I., Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick $40,000 in exchange for permanently relinquishing their oyster licenses or permits.

The oyster industry in Atlantic Canada has been severely impacted by the spread of two harmful diseases, MSX and dermo, resulting in significant mortality rates among oyster populations. In response to the initial detection of MSX in Island waters, the P.E.I. Shellfish Association proposed a three-year voluntary retirement plan for licenses to mitigate the impact of the diseases on the industry.

MacLeod raised concerns about the government’s first-come, first-served approach to the buyback program, which he believes could adversely affect the industry’s stability. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a sustainable level of oyster harvesting to preserve the ecosystem’s water filtration function.

To qualify for the buyback program, active wild oyster license holders must demonstrate that wild oyster landings contribute at least 50% to their fishing revenue. Successful applicants will forfeit their wild oyster fishing rights for a period of 10 years.

MacLeod criticized the program’s immediate implementation, suggesting that it may prompt some harvesters to retire prematurely instead of following the association’s recommended phased approach. He called for greater consultation with industry stakeholders to ensure decisions benefit, rather than harm, fishermen.

The federal government had initially announced the program in May as part of a support package for the oyster industry, allocating up to $6 million for the one-time buyback initiative.