FACT SHEET - QUICK FACTS ABOUT CANADIAN AQUACULTURE

• Aquaculture is the farming of fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants in salt or fresh water.
   
• Fish and shellfish farming is one of the fastest growing food industries in the world.
   
• There are eight species of fish, six species of shellfish and twelve species of marine plants raised commercially in Canada.
   
• The Canadian aquaculture sector employs more than 14,000 people year-round, both directly and in related industries.
   
• The aquaculture industry offers a variety of challenging career choices for people living in remote, rural or coastal communities.
   
• There are many benefits to eating fish and seafood on a regular basis, whether it is wild or farmed. Studies show that people who eat seafood at least once per week significantly lower their risk of heart disease and stroke.
   
• In 2004, there were 6,600 licensed aquaculture operations in Canada.
   
• Canada’s aquaculture industry represents about 15 per cent of the commercial fishery.
   
• Canadian aquaculture products were valued at over $526.5 million in 2004.
   
• Canada exports 85 per cent of its farmed fish and seafood, almost exclusively to the United States.
   
• Aquaculture is practiced in every province, as well as the Yukon Territory.
   
• Atlantic salmon is the most popular fish species grown by Canadian fish farmers. Atlantic salmon is grown in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia.
   
• The average market-ready Atlantic salmon weighs between 4.6 and 6 kilograms (10-13 pounds) at harvest time.
   
• Blue mussels are the most popular shellfish species grown by Canadian shellfish growers. Blue mussels are grown in British Columbia, Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
   
• Polyculture is the integration of fish, shellfish and marine plant aquaculture. The theory is that the growing of multiple species in one location will provide a more balanced ecosystem approach and provide increased economic benefits for the operator. Research is underway in British Columbia and New Brunswick.
   
• The most popular species of freshwater fish is Rainbow trout. Rainbow trout are raised in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
   
• Marine plants, wild or farmed, are used for food as well as in the textile, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and biotechnological industries.

Last Updated : 2006-07-07

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