FACT SHEET - WHY FARM FISH AND SEAFOOD?

Aquaculture in Canada

Aquaculture is the farming of fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants in marine or fresh water. Often referred to as "fish farming," aquaculture is the aquatic form of agriculture where stocks are cared for, raised to marketable size, and then harvested for processing, sale and consumption.

Aquaculture creates employment opportunities and economic growth. With the decline of wild stocks and commercial fishing, aquaculture has become a mainstay on the east and west coasts, helping to sustain Canada’s coastal and rural communities.

New Brunswick and British Columbia are Canada’s largest aquaculture-producing provinces. Finfish, mainly salmon, is the mainstay in B.C. and New Brunswick while Prince Edward Island has developed a healthy shellfish industry for mussels and oysters. Trout operations are the most common form of aquaculture in central and western Canada.

Growth in fish farming

In the past 10 years, aquaculture has emerged as an increasingly important supplier of fish and other aquatic products in Canada and has become one of the fastest growing food production industries. Increased awareness of the nutritional benefits of eating fish and seafood and its role in reducing the risk of chronic illness has meant that more people are adding fish to their diet.

The industry initially began on a commercial basis in the 1970s and grew quickly throughout the 1980s. Increased consumer demand coupled with the decline in many of the wild stocks has led to significant growth of the Canadian aquaculture industry.

This growth is expected to continue in step with population growth and dietary trends. Demand for seafood in North America alone is expected to increase by up to 40 per cent by 2010.

Canada’s potential in aquaculture

Canada is well positioned to benefit from this development. Aquaculture production can complement the existing commercial fishery. Canada has the potential to be a leader in this sector for several reasons:

• an extensive and healthy coastline;
• productive marine and freshwater resources;
• a reputation for high quality and safe seafood products;
• an internationally reputable food inspection system;
• proximity to established and growing markets;
• availability of investment capital;
• an effective and efficient transportation infrastructure; and,
• a highly skilled and educated work force.

Economic contribution

The economic contribution of the aquaculture industry is significant.

• The aquaculture sector employs more than 14,000 people year-round, both directly and in related industries. The industry is in the unique position of being able to offer a variety of challenging career choices for people living in remote, rural or coastal communities.
• In 2004, Canada’s fish farmers produced 145,840 tonnes of finfish and shellfish – more than twice the 1994 level – representing about 15 per cent of the commercial fishery.
• Aquaculture products were worth over $526.5 million in 2004, more than double their value a decade earlier.
• Cultured fish and seafood in B.C. and the Atlantic Provinces accounted for 92 per cent of the total value of Canadian production in 2004. Five per cent is located in Quebec and Ontario, while the rest is in the Prairie provinces. Production in B.C. in 2004 was worth $227.8 million, or 43 per cent of the total.
• Canada exports 85 per cent of the fish and seafood produced in the aquaculture sector. Exports in 2004 amounted to $424.9 million. The United States is Canada’s largest export market accounting for 95 per cent of the total with smaller amounts going to Japan, Taiwan, and France.

For sources and further information visit these websites:

Fisheries and Oceans Canada – http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/

DFO Recommendations for Change – www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/ref/Recommend_e.htm

Statistics Canada – Vista – www.statcan.ca/english/freepub/21-004-XIE/free.htm

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Last Updated : 2006-06-28

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