However,
Important oyster producer accuses federalty:
The largest oyster producer in the islands of the-Madeleine fears that his breeding will be contaminated by parasites that sow destruction in the Maritimes. In addition, New England.
“Our waters are still clean. However, we do not want them to be contaminated by these parasites which destroy up to 95% of farms,” says Alexandre Brazeau, director of operations at Ouitters Old Harry.
Alexandre Brazeau, director of Old Harry oysters, denounces the federal authorities in matters of oyster imports. Furthermore, He believes that this jeopardizes the quality of local waters and increases the risk of contamination. Consequently, Photo provided by Alexandre Brazeau
He criticizes the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (ECIA). Oceans and Oceans Canada (MPO) for having enabled the Enitre region possibly contaminated by MSX and Dermo microscopic parasites.
Unscreased for humans, these invisible parasites attack the flesh of molluscs, which become unfit for consumption in a few weeks.
In New England. farms have been decimated since the arrival of these diseases and they were identified last November in New Brunswick.
An arrival of emerging oysters for the Old Harry farm in the islands-of-Madeleine. Photo provided by Old Harry
Oyster farmers against importers
Alexandre Brazeau specifies that his breeding of some 13.5 million molluscs has so far been spared by these parasites. but he fears that neighboring producers, who import adult oysters, have these parasites.
“These are very contagious diseases and if we are touched, we risk losing everything,” he says.
An oyster from Old Harry farming, in the islands-de-la-Madeleine. Photo provided by Old Harry
At the center of the dispute: oyster farmers like Mr. Brazeau who grow their emerging oysters for several seasons. faced with adult oyster importers who put them on the market after a few weeks of growth.
“We do sustainable, ecological development. We have invested more than $ 4M in this project, “he explains.
Already present
Approached by The Journalthe SCIA retorts that the two diseases are “already present. most likely present in all sea waters [sic] from Quebec ”.
She therefore does not see a reason to prevent the importation of adult oysters, even if permits are required.
Same story on the part of peaches. Oceans Canada, which recognizes that MSX and Dermo diseases “can represent significant risks for aquaculture activities and the entire important oyster producer accuses federalty oyster industry”, but authorizes exchanges under certain conditions.
These arguments do not convince Mr. Brazeau.
“There is no evidence, currently, that these diseases are present in the Islands-de-la-Madeleine,” he said.
“I have had several exchanges with spokesperson for the ACIA. they drown us in an obscure vocabulary rather than ensuring the maintenance of our ecosystems. I am very disappointed with their attitude, ”he deplores.
Important oyster producer accuses federalty
Oysters in Quebec
- Mariculture (oysters. mussels, scallops, myes, sea urchins and seaweed) is growing in Quebec with a hundred employees and 3 million turnover.
- There are currently 17 active companies.
- The Islands-de-la-Madeleine are the cradle of this industry, with companies like Old Harry oysters et Large cultures.
- There are also projects in Gaspésie, in Bas-Saint-Laurent and, more recently, on the North Shore.
Source: Mapaq
Further reading: The owners of a house for Longueuil seniors ordered to reimburse more than $ 30,000 to the children of a resident they have fraud – Fernandez surprises Rybakina and went to the final in Washington – Here are the road obstacles to avoid this first weekend of the construction vacation – Montreal: drowning a 32 -year -old man at Verdun beach – Three people are stuck underground in a mine in British Columbia.
