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Bedeque

Shannon

/ 1 min read

The Bedeque region consists of the eastern half of Bedeque Bay and up into the broad mouths of the Dunk and Wilmot Rivers. The Dunk’s mouth is protected from the open waters of the Northumberland Strait by Hurd’s Point. Both these rivers drain a vast area to the east through a series of creeks and ponds. The region is classified as one of the few remaining wild oyster-holding estuaries in North America and is the only one in Canada.
For many years Bedeque has been the principal source of oysters harvested from the wild fishery (also referred to as the public fishery). In the spring and fall, hundreds converge upon Bedeque to tong for oysters from their dories. Some keep a trailer at Hurd’s Point Campground and can be on the water at the crack of dawn. The work is hard and the weather is often cold and wet. 

Strict regulations on the wild fishery limit one person per boat and the oysters must be harvested by hand, using only long, rake-like tongs. The fishers carry a small gauge that allows them to quickly determine if the oysters are of harvestable size. Those too small are tossed back. Buyers arrive in the afternoon with refrigerated trucks to purchase the oysters as the tongers come to shore.
Oysters of all shapes and sizes are pulled from the Bedeque region. For many years Bedeque has been the principal source of oysters harvested from the wild or public fishery. During the oyster seasons, licensed individuals can fish from any waterway not under private lease. As very little of the vast bay is under lease, it remains open to public fishers. On a good day, a persistent fisher can fill six or more large wooden boxes and earn a tidy sum.
Future Seafoods is a family operation with its processing plant located near the village of Fernwood. The company harvests oysters from its traditional bottom leases tucked within Salutation Cove in the Bedeque region. Always interested in growing understanding, and appreciation, the company operates a regional oyster tourist experience.

Retail/ Experiential tourism