Question Period Note: Fire at PEI Shellfish Processing Plant

Fire at PEI Shellfish Processing Plant

Atlantic Aqua Farms is one of PEI’s largest shellfish aquaculture operators.

On December 4, 2022, fire services were called to their facility in Orwell Cove. The building has been significantly impacted and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

We continue to monitor the situation and are prepared to assist within our remit.

• Atlantic Aqua Farms is one of PEI’s largest aquaculture operations; approximately 100 people are employed at the facility.
• On Saturday, December 4, 2022, the Atlantic Aqua Farms’ processing facility in Orwell Cove, PEI, was reported to be on fire. The majority of this facility was significantly impacted by the fire.
• The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No injuries have been reported.
• Atlantic Aqua Farms intends to set up processing equipment at their Borden facility to continue processing shellfish.
• Two of PEI’s larger aquaculture operations have been assisting the company while they work to get an alternate site operating. PEI Mussel King is packing product and Prince Edward Aqua Farms has been stripping mussels for Atlantic Aqua Farms.
• The Province of PEI is looking to assist Atlantic Aqua Farms' employees and help the company with new equipment purchases.
• Atlantic Aqua Farms may look to the Atlantic Fisheries Fund to assist with purchasing new equipment.
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program is reviewing a recent funding application for Atlantic Aqua Farms’ Borden facility to purchase a 202 panel solar array to reduce the plant’s GHG emissions.

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