AQUACULTURE
Aquaculture is farming of fish, shellfish and aquatic plants in fresh or
salt water. Aquaculture products are grown in
earthen ponds, freshwater lakes and bays, or in the open ocean. The fish are
fed and cared for to ensure optimum health and product quality. Once the
fish or shellfish reach an appropriate size, the crop is harvested,
processed and shipped to market, generally arriving within hours of leaving
the water.
There are fish and seafood farming operations in every Canadian province
and in the Yukon Territory. This industry offers many economic benefits for
Canadians living in rural, coastal and Aboriginal communities.
Aquaculture is a relatively new commercial activity in Canada and
occupies a significant position in the seafood production sector (over 20
per cent). The industry has responded to a global demand for fish and seafood
by providing a nutritious and affordable source of protein.
Canada produces some of the best fish and seafood in the world. It does
this by adhering to high standards for environmental sustainability and
product quality. When consumers buy Canadian farmed seafood products, they
also buy Canadian “know-how” – knowledge, expertise and new technologies.
Aquaculture emerged in Canada during the 1970s, a time marked by
heightened public awareness of the potential impacts of industrial activity
on the environment and increased public scrutiny of industry and government
actions to reduce such impacts. There are challenges to farming fish and
seafood, just as there are with any kind of land-based farming.
Intense environmental scrutiny has made us better.
Federally, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is responsible for
the sustainable development of our fishery and aquaculture resources. We
work with all levels of government to help enable the aquaculture industry
reach its full potential and ensure it is managed to minimize
environmental impacts and maintain high food
safety standards.
Also part of DFO’s role is to create the conditions for an aquaculture
industry that brings benefits to Canadians. As stated in the department’s
Strategic Plan,
“Our Waters, Our Future” (2005), DFO will “seek opportunities to create
the conditions for the development of an environmentally sustainable,
internationally competitive aquaculture industry in Canada.” This is done in
part by investing in science and research development, working in
partnership with the provinces and territories, and providing support for
industry development programs.
Browse through our website to learn more about finfish, shellfish,
freshwater and marine plant aquaculture.
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