UNIVERSITY OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Westisle Composite High School students raise funds to support MSX research at UPEI

Students at Westisle Composite High School have donated $1,300 to UPEI for research into MSX (Multinucleate sphere unknown), a disease in oysters caused by a parasite called Haplosporidium nelsoni.

Bria Doucet, co-president of the Westisle Student Council, with students Tyson Wilson and Robin Daghfal

The students raised the funds at an educational seminar they organized on November 27 to raise awareness about the virus and to help UPEI with its research on MSX. Attended by about 50 people, the event featured guest speakers, live music, door prizes, a 50-50 draw, and a hospitality table.

Speakers included Bob MacLeod and Jolene Williams-Millar, PEI Shellfish Association; MLA Hilton MacLellan; Thomas Burleigh of Burleigh Bros Seafoods; Gordon Jeffery of Five Star Shellfish Inc.; and student organizer Tyson Wilson.

First detected on PEI in July of 2024, the Haplosporidium nelsoni parasite is not harmful to humans, but it can cause MSX in wild and farmed oysters, resulting in high mortality rates and consequently economic hardship for oyster fishers. Recently, the federal and provincial governments announced funding to combat the virus and support fishers impacted by the disease.

Bria Doucet, co-president of the Westisle Student Council, said that she and co-president Sydney Gallant, assisted by other students, planned the seminar to support the fishers who make their living in the oyster industry and students who are interested in the fishery.

"By organizing this event," she said, "I think we have shown many people that no matter how young you are, you can make a difference while also showing our community the support we have for all as well as raising funds!"

Doucet thanked those who supported and sponsored the event.

"We just can't say thank you enough to all those people who helped make this event possible," she said.

Dr. Beibei Jia, assistant professor of epidemiology and lead researcher into MSX at UPEI, had high praise for the students.

"As a researcher, I am motivated by the morale of the students," she said. "They value the local community around them and use their kind deeds to make a difference. A friend in need is a friend indeed.' Let's confront this challenging time together with our oyster industry."

Anthony Gill, director of UPEI's Department of Development and Engagement, accepted the donation on behalf of UPEI, and thanked the students for supporting the University's research into MSX.

"The funds they have donated will be put to good use by the researchers who are seeking solutions to this devastating disease," he said. "The students are to be commended for their initiative in organizing the seminar."