CENTRAL

Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and the Yukon Territory support a freshwater aquaculture industry. Four percent of Canada's total aquaculture production was produced this region in 2005. There were 4 097 licensed freshwater aquaculture operations in Central Canada during this year.

Rainbow trout is the most popular freshwater fish farmed on a commercial scale. Approximately two-thirds of the freshwater fish grown for retail markets is Rainbow trout. Other popular species currently being produced on a commercial scale include Arctic char, Tilapia and Brook trout. Several freshwater species in the development stage include Walleye, Yellow perch, and Grass carp.

Freshwater aquaculture incorporates many different types of commercial activity that make up the entire industry.

Fingerling production – Farmers raise fingerlings (from eggs to small, juvenile fish) for sale to U-fish operators, commercial enterprises, research laboratories and wholesalers.

U-fish operations - Producers stock ponds with ready-to-catch fish for recreation. These are privately owned, for-profit enterprises.

Contract Growing – Farmers contract their services to raise and grow fish for stocking select ponds or small lakes for recreational fishing in public areas.

Biological grass control (carp) - Operators raise sterile carp for weed control in waterways and research purposes.

Commercial enterprises - Table-food (market) production – Farmers grow fingerlings to market size for restaurants, grocery stores, and farmers markets. There are two types of commercial enterprises:

• Intensive operations produce market-size fish on a year-round basis. They require consistent, seasonal or year-round markets, significant capital investment and high levels of production. This type of activity is primarily for individuals seeking to earn a major livelihood from aquaculture.
• Extensive operations use ponds and dugouts to produce fish on a seasonal basis. These operations can be developed with seasonal markets, limited capital investment and less time commitment. This type of activity is primarily for Individuals looking to use an existing pond to generate supplemental income or pursue a hobby.

• Freshwater Finfish

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Last Updated : 2007-09-27

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