The 4th Annual Lobster Science Workshop: A Success!

In collaboration with the Coastal Zones Research Institute Inc. (CZRI) in Shippagan, NB, the AVC Lobster Science Centre (AVCLSC), at the Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, recently co-hosted its 4th Annual Lobster Science Workshop, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Moncton, NB.

The workshop, held this past November 4-5, was well attended with approximately 100 fishermen, scientists, processors, live shippers and government representatives participating in this two day event. The theme for this year’s event was Growing the Resource and consisted of two different sessions; one on lobster enhancement and one on health strategies. Martin Mallet, project manager at Homarus Inc, the lobster hatchery branch of the Maritime Fishermen’s Union, was the keynote speaker for the morning session and he gave an overview of the work carried out at this lobster hatchery since 2002. Their mandate is to develop strategies for increasing lobster abundance through practical approaches of lobster enhancement and sea ranching, increasing scientific knowledge of lobster biology, and introducing educational tools to better explain ecological processes to the fishing industry. Martin’s presentation was followed by presentations from the Costal Zones Research Institute Inc. (Dounia Daoud), the Maritime Fishermen’s Union (François Beaudin), the Pictou Lobster Stock Enhancement Research Project (Jennifer Feehan), and the Université Sainte-Anne on Juvenile Lobster Research and Lobster Hatchery Development in LFA 26b (Michelle Theriault). The afternoon session was opened by Dr. Michael Tlusty, Research Director at the New England Aquarium in Boston, MA. Dr. Tlusty discussed the Aquarium’s research into disease through causation, and their current investigations into models of the onset of shell disease. Following this keynote presentation, Dr. Grace Karremen of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency gave some background information and an update on the National Aquatic Animal Health Program. The stage was then handed over to four scientists of the AVCLSC, Jean Lavallée, Rick Cawthorn, Andrea Battison and Spencer Greenwood, who gave brief overviews of some of the research activities currently taking place at the Centre. In what is now tradition at the Annual Workshop, the event ended with a fabulous banquet where, of course, lobster was king!

The CZRI and the AVCLSC would like to express their gratitude to the NB Department of Fisheries, the principal sponsor for the Workshop. We would also like to acknowledge the following financial contributors to the workshop, without whom this event would not have been possible: Chase's Lobster Pound Limited, Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership, Ferguson's Lobster Pound Co., Helly Hansen, NL Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture, NS Department of Agriculture & Fisheries, Ocean Choice PEI Inc., Paturel International Company, PEI Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural development, and the University of Prince Edward Island. Finally, thank you to all who attended and contributed to making this event a success. See you all next year!