While managing her oyster farm in western P.E.I., Kaila Richard often feels a deep connection to her late father, who previously operated the farm until his unexpected passing in 2021.
Kaila, alongside her husband Bruce Richard, now runs the farm in Dock River near Alberton. Reflecting on their journey, she shared, “When we encounter challenges, I can almost hear my dad questioning our actions… and when things go well, I imagine how proud he would be.”
The Richards invested significantly in upgrading their farm, securing substantial loans to introduce new equipment and dedicating extensive hours to nurture their oyster yield. However, their hard work faces a severe threat as two diseases wreak havoc on the oyster industry in Prince Edward Island.
Across the island, farmers have witnessed the devastating impact of these diseases, with millions of deceased oysters being unearthed, forming towering piles across P.E.I.
Describing the situation, Bruce expressed, “The entire island is witnessing a catastrophe at this stage… In our small river section, around a dozen farmers are grappling with similar challenges, experiencing up to 90 to 95 percent loss in oyster population.”
Numerous oyster growers in western P.E.I. are encountering complete mortality rates in their cages during the post-winter period. The island has been severely impacted by MSX and dermo, two fatal oyster diseases. CBC’s Nancy Russell investigates the story.
The diseases, multinucleate sphere unknown (MSX) and dermo, were first identified in P.E.I. waters in 2024 and 2025, respectively. While harmless to humans, these parasites pose a significant threat to oysters, with some farmers reporting complete mortality rates.
Earlier this year, the provincial and federal governments unveiled