'A tough decision': P.E.I. wild oyster fishers hand over their licences in buyback program

Some wild oyster fishers on PEI are choosing to leave the industry, taking a $40,000 buyback from the Federal Department of Fisheries and handing over their licenses in the wake of two oyster diseases that have virtually wiped out the fishery in western PEI, where many of them live. In this position I'm in, I've been working with government for the last two and a half years, roughly since MSX was discovered. and I really can't see where they put their best foot forward to help bring the industry through it. I just couldn't see a future. Oysters have been my whole life and when I signed that paper, I signed that all away. you. McLeod says he had put in his application for the buyback but didn't make a final decision until he read a new consultant's report from MRSB. It's not public yet but it's supposed to be a recovery plan for the oyster industry on PEI. I spent six hours reading it, come home and signed the paper. If anybody thinks that's the bible to success in the industry, I couldn't see I think for the wild fishery industry, there was nothing like it. You know, to stay in it, you've got to be able to make a living. The Shellfish Association estimates about 125 wild oyster fishers on PEI opted to give up their licenses, including Albert Milligan. The writing's been on the wall for a while that things aren't going to be that great next year, so I'd rather go out on my own terms and deal with it that way. The buyback was first come, first served, and the Department of Fisheries says the program is now closed. There's a lot more heartache and sorrow than people realize. There's a lot of lifetime people, generations that's done this, and this is their whole life. They'll be walking away. McLeod says he will be stepping down as president of the Shellfish Association, but is hoping to have a meeting with members first. Nancy Russell, CBC News, Biddeford.