Aquaculture Atlas of Canada

Source: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Distinctive ideas, innovative strategies, practical solutions... are the hallmarks of Canada's leading role in the global aquaculture field. Long recognized for its advancements in fisheries science and technology, Canada has emerged as the predominant developer of state-of-the-art strategies and solutions for the world's expanding aquaculture industry.

• British Columbia
• Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba
• Ontario
• Quebec
• New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia
• Newfoundland & Labrador
• Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories, Nunavut

For over 100 years, Canadian ingenuity has been addressing unique biotechnical constraints and stressors that influence the biological performance of farmed finfish, shellfish, crustaceans and seaweeds. Canadian expertise in research, education and training is now being sought worldwide, particularly as the international community turns toward aquaculture as a source of high quality protein.

With the wild harvest of the world's fish stocks having peaked, existing levels of seafood consumption will necessitate a doubling of the world's aquaculture production by the year 2010. Canadian firms, researchers and educational institutions are positioned to provide the necessary technical, educational support and know-how to the global community to enable aquaculture to realize its full potential.

With the world's longest coastline and 16 per cent of the world's total surface area of fresh water, Canada is the ideal location for temperate-zone aquaculture. Crystal-clear and pristine pure water is an indispensable element for growing top quality seafood, and Canada has this in abundance.

Aquaculture is a growing industry in Canada, with farming operations ongoing in all ten provinces and in the Yukon. In Atlantic Canada, finfish aquaculture is dominated by Atlantic salmon and steelhead. Shellfish species include blue mussels, oysters and an emerging sea scallop industry. From Quebec to Alberta, trout farming is foremost, although Arctic char has great potential. Tilapia, normally considered a tropical species, is moving into commercial production. Manila clams, Pacific oysters, and Japanese scallops form the backbone of shellfish culture in British Columbia, also home to Atlantic salmon, coho and chinook farms.

Successful marketing of aquaculture products depends on consumer confidence in product safety and quality. Industry is supported by the federal and provincial/territorial governments in ensuring water quality and in maintaining the highest standards of product quality and safety. All exports are processed in federally registered plants under the Quality Management Program, Canada's HACCP-based inspection regime for fish and seafood, known as one of the best in the world.

Cold, clean water. A professional, well educated workforce. Quality products backed by the Government of Canada. All good reasons to look to Canada for the best farmed fish and shellfish in the world!