Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

The mussel industry in Prince Edward Island produces an estimated $28 Million in mussel products (landedValue - 2013) annually and accounts for approximately 80% of Canada's entire cultured mussel production.There are approximately 130 mussel growers on PEI who farm 11,000 surface acres. PEI blue mussels grownaturally in the nutrient-rich waters, and are self-sustained with no feed or additives. Using the long linesystem, farming process consists of naturally collected mussel seed being placed in mesh sleeves which aresuspended in the water column. The arrival and spread of a non-native tunicate species, Vase Tunicate (CionaIntestinalis), in the late 90s has put considerable strain on the PEI mussel industry. The Prince Edward IslandAquaculture Alliance (PEIAA) is a non-profit industry association, established in January 1998, as an umbrellaorganization representing the PEI Cultured Mussel Growers Association, the Island Oyster Growers Group, andthe PEI Finfish Association. The PEIAA supports its members with strong advocacy and a dedication toresearch and development. The PEIAA has approached Holland College to collaborate on a research projectwhich would explore the potential to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of current treatment optionsand develop new processes which would ensure maximum cost savings to the mussel growers in the Atlanticregion.