Key Facts and Figures for Aquaculture in Canada

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The aquaculture industry continues to grow rapidly at the international level.  According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, about 50 percent of the world’s fish and seafood produced today comes from aquaculture.  Aquaculture is now the fastest growing food production activity in the world.

In Canada, aquaculture represents one third of total marine value. This value has doubled from $392 million in 1997 to $801 million in 2009.  The total economic or gross value generated by aquaculture in Canada is $2.1 billion

The sector is an important economic driver, particularly in rural and coastal areas. Aquaculture accounts for 14% of total seafood production in Canada and 35% of its value. Within Canada, aquaculture employs about 14,500 people in year-round, full time, well-paying jobs, and primarily in small, coastal and rural communities.   The sector’s potential for even greater prosperity is considerable.

Overall, Canada ranks 23rd among world aquaculture producers, and contributes less than 0.3 per cent of total global output.  However, Canada is the fourth largest producer of farmed salmon in the world.

Salmon is the main species produced in Canada, accounting for 73 per cent of total production volume, followed by mussels (14 per cent), oysters (5 per cent) and other finfish and shellfish (3 per cent). 

British Columbia contributes the most farm-raised fish and seafood, followed by New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia.

In the inland provinces, trout is the main product, accounting for more than 92 per cent of total production. Ontario is the largest producer, followed by Quebec and the Prairie Provinces.

In 2009, Canada exported 69% of its grown seafood, of which 97% was to the United States.

For more information see:

• Aquaculture Statistics: Value Added (1997 – 2009)
                                        Production Quantities and Values (1986-2009)

• Aquaculture Canada: Facts and Figures (Brochure published in 2010)

• Socio-Economic Impact of Aquaculture in Canada, 2009