On the other hand, Isle Madame has a supportive community, opportunity in water resources and good seed supply for some species, a community of people displaced from the fisheries eager to search out self reliant opportunities, some usable infrastructure, good leadership and the prospects of good and improving markets.
Presently there are 10 shellfish aquaculture operation licensed or in the process of acquiring licenses. The majority are sea scallop operations while one site harvests mussels. Sea scallop aquaculture is relatively new to Atlantic Canada and continues to experience start up problems in most areas although impressive growth rates are being reported here. Several operators are in the process of expanding to mussel production as well. This area has demonstrated capability to grow good quality mussels.
The Bras d'Or Lakes (1/2 an hour away) are working with oyster culture and fin fish operation (Arctic Char). Other species that are not native to Isle Madame but are believed capable to thrive here are European Oysters, Bay Scallops, striped bass and steel head trout.
Most operators if asked would be
willing to share their knowledge and possibly even demonstrate their aquaculture
sites.
