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Aquaculture in Canada
Canada is well positioned to benefit from sustainable aquaculture. Possessed of the world's longest coastline and productive salt and freshwater resources, Canada has a reputation for safe, high-quality fish and seafood products produced in an environmentally sustainable manner. Our industry benefits from proximity to the U.S. market and access to a highly skilled and educated work force.
Seafood is the largest single food commodity exported by Canada and we are the seventh largest seafood exporter in the world. In 2008, wild harvest and aquaculture exports totalled almost C$4 billion. The aquaculture industry employed more than 16,000 people, many of whom are women and many of whom are under the age of 35.
Aquaculture is a relatively new commercial activity in Canada and in many other parts of the world, but already it occupies a significant position in the seafood production sector. Farmed seafood production was valued at $837.3 million in 2007, representing 30% of total fisheries and aquaculture production value. More than 85% of Canada’s aquaculture production is exported to over 20 countries worldwide. Canada is the world’s 4th largest producer of farmed salmon.
There are aquaculture operations in every Canadian province and in the Yukon Territory. Over 70 cold-water species - including finfish, marine shellfish, amphibian and marine plant species, are cultured commercially or are being developed for their potential as aquaculture species. Canadian aquaculture production is dominated by five main categories by volume: salmon, trout, mussels, oysters and clams.
Canada's aquaculture industry is continuing to grow. By 2020, sector output could exceed 308,000mt, generate total farm-gate revenues in excess of $1.5 billion, and continue to provide essential employment for those living in Canada's many coastal and remote communities.
For more information, visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Aquaculture website. or The Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance
Aquaculture industry organisations:
Provincial Government Departments or Agencies:
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