Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms in marine or freshwater. It implies some form of intervention in the rearing or growing process to enhance production, such as regular stocking, feeding, and/or protection from predators and disease. It also implies individual or corporate ownership of the stock or crop being farmed.

The Government of Canada recognises the significant societal benefits associated with aquaculture. As a result, it has made sustainable aquaculture development a federal priority.

Aquaculture is a relatively new commercial activity in Canada and in many other parts of the world, but already it occupies a significant position in the seafood production sector. Although aquaculture offers tremendous socio-economic benefits, it has emerged at a time marked by heightened public awareness of the potential impacts of industrial activity and increased public scrutiny of industry and government actions to mitigate such impacts. While Canadians are interested in realising the full potential of aquaculture, they are also concerned about issues such as escapes of farmed salmon, food safety, therapeutant use, habitat interactions, water quality, organic loading, navigational safety, aquatic animal health, and aesthetics.

Given Canada's close proximity to one of the world's largest markets, a reputation for high-quality, safe seafood products, excellent biophysical potential and a highly knowledgeable labour force, Canada is well positioned to benefit from aquaculture development. Yet strikingly, Canada's share of the international market for aquaculture products remains very small. In order to capitalize on our assets, Canada must develop enabling regulatory and policy frameworks in order to position the sector to compete on a global basis and create sustainable opportunities for Canadians.

Last updated : 2005-04-18

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