Canadian government pledges $850k to tackle "serious threat to Canada's oyster industry"

The Canadian government has announced it is funding more than CAD 850,000 in scientific research on MSX disease, which poses a severe threat for Canada's oyster industry on its Atlantic coast.

MSX, or multinuclear sphere unknown X, was first detected in Canada in Bras d’Or Lake, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia in 2002, and has continued to impact oyster populations in that area. In July last year, the disease was found in wild oysters in Prince Edward Island, and was later detected in sites in New Brunswick in November 2024. The disease is caused by the pathogen Haplosporidium nelsoni (H. nelsoni) in both cultured and wild American oysters.

Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick are two of Canada's most important shellfish and oyster producing regions. According to PEI government statistics, annually PEI accounts for 26% of Canadian oyster production and 74% of Atlantic Canada's oyster production.

Meanwhile, the New Brunswick government describes oyster aquaculture "an important generator of employment and economic activity in rural coastal communities along the eastern shores of the province", and reports oyster farming leases covering approximately 2,700 hectares.

"While much is known about MSX, which affects oyster health and growth, significant knowledge gaps remain. While MSX is not a food safety concern, it poses a serious threat to Canada’s oyster industry," Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans said in a press release announcing the funding.

Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced the distribution of funding to six recipients, with funded projects including rapid detection techniques and research on disease resistance.

The move follows a Science Summit co-chaired by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island in November 2024, which identified several research areas and knowledge gaps, including genetic markers or traits that could promote resistance to MSX, rapid detection methodologies, and the need to learn from other jurisdictions' experiences in handling MSX outbreaks.

"These investments continue to advance improved understanding of MSX disease in Canada, helping to support industry efforts to manage the disease while ensuring the long-term health of marine species and ecosystems," Fisheries and Oceans Canada stated.

“By supporting this important research on MSX, the Government of Canada is investing in the future of our oyster industry , as well as the livelihoods of the Canadians who depend on them," said Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

"Together, we are advancing scientific knowledge that will strengthen our ability to protect the health and sustainability of our marine ecosystems and ensure the resilience of coastal communities," Lebouthillier added.