"The Government of Canada is proud to support this conference as the shellfish industry is key to our economy and to our coastal communities," said Agriculture Minister, Gerry Ritz.
"It's one example of the ways we work with industry to find ways to help them continue to deliver the safe, high quality product that they are known for."
Prince Edward Island Fisheries Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister, Neil LeClair, added, "Using science to advance procedures for testing shellfish is invaluable for the shellfish industry."
"Drawing on the knowledge of the leading scientific experts in this field will benefit the industry and rural PEI as a leading shellfish producer in Canada."
An anticipated 160 experts and industry officials from around the world will share information on topics such as:
- risk assessment
- marine biotoxins and contaminants
- harmful algal blooms (HABs)
- microbiological issues
- regulatory frameworks and trade
- effects of climate change
- The conference is being held in Charlottetown at the University of Prince Edward Island.
Keynote speakers during the conference are Dr. Karunasagar Iddya with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Dr Wang Wei with General Administration of Quality, Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China.
Canada has a very productive molluscan shellfish industry, with a value of approximately $240 million annually.
The Prince Edward Island shellfish industry, which produces mussels, oysters, clams, quahaugs and scallops, has a value in excess of $32 million and employs more than 2500 people.
For more information on the 8th International Conference on Molluscan Shellfish Safety, please visit: www.gov.pe.ca/icmss2011/
