Global Trends

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Aquaculture has emerged as an increasingly important contributor to supply the global demand for fish and seafood over the last 15 years as levels of most wild stocks around the world have reached a plateau or declined. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations says the world’s growing population will significantly increase the demand for fish and seafood by 2030. The global aquaculture industry currently represents 29 per cent of the volume and 38 per cent of the value of global fish and seafood landings.

Canada ranks 22nd (2002, FAO) among aquaculture producing nations and accounts for less than one-third of 1 per cent of global farmed fish and seafood production.

Assessments in 2002 indicated that aquaculture could, by 2015, generate in excess of C$2.8 billion annually in farm-gate value, providing year-round employment to more than 40,000 people in coastal, rural and Aboriginal communities. Canada has the potential to be in the top three global competitors in aquaculture production.

AQUACULTURE AND …

Major Events, Conferences and Tradeshows

Aquaculture Association of Canada (Canada)

Aqua Nor (Norway)

• DFO at AquaNor in 2005

Aqua Sur (Chile)

Aqua 2006 (European Aquaculture Society & World Aquaculture Society)

International Boston Seafood Show (USA)

Global Marketplace

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is an excellent resource for issues related to aquaculture. Visit the FAO’s aquaculture website to:

• learn more about the industry in a global context
• access species information and glossary of terms
• find information on the legislation and regulations governing the industry in individual nations
• search for economic data
• read profiles on some of the world’s leading producers of farmed fish and seafood

Global Development and International Potential

Aquaculture is a growing industry and has potential for economic development and employment in many countries around the world. Read more about what is happening around the globe:

United States

• Article by National Public Radio: off-shore aquaculture in Hawaii

Australia and New Zealand

• Article by Forbes.com: tuna aquaculture in Australia

United Kingdom

• Tripartite Working Group - Building Consensus Reaching Agreement
  The purpose of the Group, Chaired by the Scottish Government, is to address problems common to salmon farming and wild salmon fisheries and to seek solutions for ensuring the maintenance of a healthy stock of wild fish whilst at the same time promoting a sustainable aquaculture industry. Read more …
  

  •  Video

  • Article on The Fish Site entitled, “Salmon successes on the screen”

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