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ABOUT...
ACROSS CANADA
AND...
RESOURCES
FACT SHEET - AQUACULTURE MANAGEMENT
Responsibility for aquaculture management and development is shared between the federal and provincial and territorial governments. Canada’s aquaculture industry operates under some of the world’s strictest acts and regulations for an agricultural activity.
Role of the federal government
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is the lead federal agency responsible for aquaculture. In all, 17 departments and agencies work to manage the aquaculture industry. The federal role encompasses:
- regulatory and policy framework;
- scientific research;
- environmental sustainability and interaction;
- product safety and inspection;
- technology transfer;
- training and development;
- foreign market intelligence and trade services;
- access to financing; and,
- communications.
Along with DFO, federal regulations are applied by departments and agencies that include Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Environment Canada, Health Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, and the Pest Management Regulatory Agency.
DFO is responsible for administering, monitoring and enforcing compliance with laws and regulations relating to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, conservation and protection, environment and habitat protection. The department also conducts scientific research that plays a key role in providing the foundation for informed decisions when developing public policy on aquaculture practices, regulations, environmental performance measures and aquatic animal health.
DFO’s role is to create the conditions for an aquaculture industry that respects the environment and brings benefits to Canadians. This is done in part by ensuring efficient and effective laws and regulations, investing in science and research development, working in partnership with the provinces and territories, and providing support for industry development programs.
Role of provincial and territorial governments
The provincial and territorial governments are responsible for overseeing the aquaculture industry’s day-to-day operations. This responsibility includes approving the majority of proposed sites, issuing licenses and permits, and regulating farm activities relating to escapes, waste management and aspects of aquatic animal health.
The federal government has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with British Columbia, Quebec, all four Atlantic provinces, and the Yukon and Northwest Territories. These MOUs set out the roles and responsibilities of each government and reflect the specific needs of the industry in that province or territory.
The Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (CCFAM) provides leadership and collaboration between the federal and provincial/territorial governments to bring about greater harmonization and ensure an integrated management approach for aquaculture development.
Stakeholder and industry collaboration
The federal government recognizes that managing aquaculture requires partnerships.
Across Canada and abroad, the federal government is working with many public and private sector partners to ensure that management of the industry meets the high standards expected by Canadians.
Mechanisms and forums for effective communications and liaison between governments, industry stakeholders and associations, public interest and environmental groups, and the public are essential to the continued growth of responsible aquaculture in Canada.
For sources and further information visit these websites:
Fisheries and Oceans Canada – www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture
New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture – http://www.gnb.ca/0027/Index-e.asp
British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Lands – http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/fisheries/index.htm
Note: This page contains links to Web sites not under the control of the Government of Canada. For further information on our hyperlinking practices, please refer to the Hyperlinking Notice.
