This project will develop oyster strains resistant to Multinucleate Sphere Unknown (MSX) disease, a significant threat to shellfish aquaculture that has caused devastating losses in oyster-growing regions, including mortality rates exceeding 95 percent in parts of western PEI, and spreading eastward. In parallel, it will equip the industry with new tools to better understand, predict, and combat the disease by generating an MSX disease model and identifying key biological markers associated with oyster immune responses. Together, these advances will help strengthen the resilience, sustainability, and long-term viability of Canada’s oyster industry.
The project is led by Charlottetown, PEI-based Atlantic Aqua Farms in partnership with Onda in Souris, PEI and CAT Genetics Canada, also in Souris, PEI. With a total project value of $1.1 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $471,000, with the balance of funding coming from project partners.
With the oyster industry valued at approximately $60 million annually in Prince Edward Island alone, combined with shellfish aquaculture being one of the most environmentally sustainable methods of food production, this project will help secure a sustainable domestic food source while growing the ocean economy. By addressing one of the most significant disease threats facing oyster aquaculture, this project represents an important investment in the future of Canada’s seafood sector and the sustainable growth of the global ocean economy, positioning Canada at the forefront of shellfish disease management.
Through Ambition 2035 and together with Canada’s ocean community, we are bold in our ambition to grow Canada’s ocean economy 5X to $220 billion by 2035. Continued investment in the accelerated development and commercialization of globally relevant, made-in-Canada ocean solutions will help us realize this ambition. Read more about recommendations to help achieve this transformational growth opportunity outlined in Charting the Course to 5X Growth in Canada’s Ocean Economy and the projected benefits to Canada here.
“Innovation is essential to ensuring Canada’s food systems remain resilient in the face of climate change and emerging disease threats,” said Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. “Through this investment, we are supporting breakthrough research that will not only help protect our oyster industry, but also position Canada as a leader in sustainable shellfish aquaculture. The development of MSX-resistant oysters represents an important step toward securing economic growth, supporting coastal livelihoods, and providing a reliable source of sustainable protein for generations to come.”
