Dawn Campbell-Sapier

Bideford Shellfish Hatchery

Dawn Campbell-Sapier has a big role to play in the oyster community on PEI; in fact, as Manager of the Bideford Shellfish Hatchery, she supplies hatchery seed to all Island growers!

The oyster hatchery in Bideford originally opened in the 1930s, but it sat idle for many decades before the Lennox Island Development Corporation bought it in 2016. During the years that the hatchery wasn’t in operation, Island growers had to get their seed from New Brunswick. Growers required special permits to buy the seed and it was not always easy to secure. Besides, it was not ideal for the Island’s biosecurity, since seed introduced from other provinces may not be compatible in PEI waters, due to different environments and diseases.

As Manager of the revitalized Bideford Shellfish Hatchery, Dawn has been driving its growth from day one. Preparing the hatchery to reopen was hard work and provided a steep learning curve, but Dawn was up for the challenge. She even spent six months at the Eskasoni First Nation Hatchery in Nova Scotia, learning the ropes and gathering knowledge to bring back to Bideford. Thanks to the dedication of Dawn and her team, The Bideford Shellfish Hatchery now provides shellfish growers reliable access to safe, and high-quality seed.

In addition to supplying a safer product, the hatchery contributes to the industry’s growth in the province and increases employment and economic activity. It currently has three full-time staff, all from the Lennox Island Community, and continues to grow! They have now developed their own leases, creating even more jobs for the community.

As Manager of the revitalized Bideford Shellfish Hatchery, Dawn has been driving its growth from day one. Preparing the hatchery to reopen was hard work and provided a steep learning curve, but Dawn was up for the challenge. She even spent six months at the Eskasoni First Nation Hatchery in Nova Scotia, learning the ropes and gathering knowledge to bring back to Bideford. Thanks to the dedication of Dawn and her team, The Bideford Shellfish Hatchery now provides shellfish growers reliable access to safe, and high-quality seed.

In addition to supplying a safer product, the hatchery contributes to the industry’s growth in the province and increases employment and economic activity. It currently has three full-time staff, all from the Lennox Island Community, and continues to grow! They have now developed their own leases, creating even more jobs for the community.

Dawn is proud of the seed they produce at the Bideford Shellfish Hatchery and can clearly see the impact of her work on Island aqua farmers. “I like seeing the seed go out the door to their new homes. The farmers are always amazed at how perfect and tiny they are!”
Dawn is proud of the seed they produce at the Bideford Shellfish Hatchery and can clearly see the impact of her work on Island aqua farmers. “I like seeing the seed go out the door to their new homes. The farmers are always amazed at how perfect and tiny they are!”

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