Chemical and biological conversion of mussel processing by-products into new value streams in agriculture

Atlantic Canada’s fishery industries have been identified as key sectors where market demand is expected to increase. PEI mussel and shellfish production employ over a thousand employees, and contributes in excess of CAD$60 million to PEI’s coastal and rural communities. Production of Atlantic Canadian shellfish has tripled since 1995 and is expected to continue growing rapidly. Prince Edward Aqua Farms Inc., is one of the largest mussel and oyster producers in North America, generating 9,072 tonnes of mussels annually which results in 2,770 tonnes of solid waste by-products. Waste disposal is a serious economic and environmental burden that can cost the industry upwards of $888,410 each year. Landfill disposal of these by-products may also result in higher greenhouse gas emissions and represent a loss of valuable natural resources. Dalhousie University’s Innovative Waste Management Group aims to work with PE Aqua Farms to identify economically and technically viable pathways to create value from mussel by-product solid waste streams, including composts, biochar, and alternative agricultural liming amendments.

Faculty Supervisor:

Gordon Price

Student:

Partner:

Prince Edward Aqua Farms Ltd.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: