July 13, 2007

(Charlottetown, PE): Participants from the world of research, industry and government will meet in Charlottetown from September 20-22, 2007 to examine how Bitter Crab Disease is negatively impacting various crab species at home and around the world.

“Twenty-five presenters from Canada, the United States and Australia will be providing expertise on Bitter Crab Disease research,” says conference co-chair, Dr. Rick Cawthorn, a research scientist with the Atlantic Veterinary College’s (AVC) Lobster Science Centre. “Our objective is to bring together presenters and participants to increase awareness of this potentially serious disease, identify ways of better managing it, and identify research needs, opportunities and potential collaborations.”

The workshop is organized by the AVC Lobster Science Centre, the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and Memorial University’s Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation. The workshop encourages participation of industry, research institutions, and government in addressing Bitter Crab disease issues in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Australian waters.

“One hundred seats have been reserved for participants,” says Cawthorn. “Those interested in taking part in the workshop are encouraged to register right away.” Workshop and registration information is available at www.lobsterscience.ca/bcdworkshop

The AVC Lobster Science Centre is the only lobster research centre in the world that is part of a veterinary school. It is an academic centre of expertise dedicated to conducting health research on lobster and other crustaceans in consultation with industry, government and other academic institutions.