If you live in a coastal community, you know how important the oyster industry is to the local economy. The New Brunswick government is injecting 12 million dollars into the local oyster industry to fight two harmful diseases. MSX and Dermo recently hit the province and threaten the livelihoods of hundreds of coastal workers.

According to a recent report from CTV News, officials first detected MSX and Dermo in New Brunswick waters in 2024. These diseases stunt oyster growth and cause high mortality rates. They do not pose any health risks to you or anyone else who eats the oysters.

Protecting a Vital Coastal Economy

Oyster farming is an important part of the economy for New Brunswick. The industry generated 35.7 million dollars in 2024 and currently supports 650 jobs across the province.

Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Pat Finnigan highlighted the urgency of the situation in a recent news release.

“Oyster producers are facing a very difficult and uncertain situation, but this is an industry that is incredibly important to New Brunswick’s coastal economy, and to many families and communities,” Finnigan said.

How the Funding Breaks Down

The provincial government created four specific programs to distribute the 12 million dollar relief package. Here is exactly where the money goes:

• Up to 8 million dollars over three years helps producers keep skilled workers employed in the hardest hit areas.
• Up to 3.5 million dollars covers inventory losses, operational costs and site cleanup for impacted farmers.
• Up to 265,000 dollars provides free financial diagnostic services to help businesses assess risks and operational impacts.
• An annual investment of 250,000 dollars expands oyster disease surveillance across the province.

This provincial funding follows a federal announcement from last week. The federal government committed 4.6 million dollars to the New Brunswick oyster industry through the Community Business Development Corporation Kent.

Other provinces are also dealing with these outbreaks. Officials have detected MSX and Dermo in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are MSX and Dermo?

MSX and Dermo are diseases that infect oysters. They lower the growth rate of the shellfish and significantly increase their mortality.

Are infected oysters safe to eat?

Yes. Neither MSX nor Dermo poses any health threat to humans.

How much is the oyster industry worth in New Brunswick?

The New Brunswick oyster industry generated 35.7 million dollars in 2024 and supports roughly 650 jobs.

What other provinces have these oyster diseases?

Officials have found MSX and Dermo in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec.