Marine Non-Salmonid Aquaculture

Advances in technology in British Columbia and in other jurisdictions have enabled aquaculturists to successfully breed species such as:

• Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)

• Sea bream (Sparus aurata)

• Sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

• Halibut (Hipploglossoides spp.)

• Sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria)

In British Columbia, advances in technology have brought sablefish (or black cod), a native groundfish, to the brink of commercial viability. This fish has now been bred successfully in scientific production facilities and juveniles have recently been produced in scientific and commercial facilities. This fish appears to be well suited to a domestic rearing environment and has significant commercial potential.

• Halibut and Sablefish Aquaculture in BC - Economic Potential

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The increased availability of rearing space for alternative marine finfish species will encourage investors, researchers and producers to pursue the new species development and diversification that will be needed to compete globally in the coming years. Existing salmon aquaculture licence holders can apply to the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (MAL) to rear additional species on existing salmon aquaculture facilities.

Crown Land Administration Division of MAL is currently accepting applications for new marine tenures for salmonid and non-salmonid finfish species. Additional information regarding the application and selection process is available through MAL.

Related Links

• Marine Finfish Aquaculture Application Guide

• MAL Aquaculture Licensing and Compliance

• Finfish Tenure Application Information

Updated: January 27, 2006