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Aquaculture Sustainability

	A Sustainable Aquaculture Industry Aquaculture is a vital and growing industry in Canada. And with this growth comes responsibility. Learn more about how we’ve fostered an aquaculture industry, with science as the backbone of everything we do, that is sustainable not just now but for future generations. Read about why sustainability matters and learn how it informs everything we do.

	Sustainable Aquaculture Program Aquaculture in Canada has grown steadily over the last 20 years. It is now a $1 billion industry with potential for much further expansion. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has developed a program to create the conditions for a successful and sustainable aquaculture industry. Learn more about our work, including the Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program to foster innovation and competitiveness, and the National Aquaculture Strategic Action Plan Initiative that will guide future sustainable development.

	Regulation Canada's aquaculture industry operates under some of the world's strictest acts and regulations. Learn more about how Fisheries and Oceans Canada partners with federal, provincial and territorial governments, and the aquaculture industry itself to ensure aquaculture is well managed and sustainable. Read about our roles and responsibilities, the role science plays in aquaculture regulation and development, legislation and Sustainable Aquaculture Program.

	Protecting Ecosystems Learn more about how we use the best scientific information available and partner with provincial governments and industry to ensure that aquaculture operators work within regulatory frameworks and use best practices to protect the ecosystem: protecting habitat, and introductions and transfers.

	Protecting Fish Health Fisheries and Oceans Canada, provincial and territorial governments in partnership with industry use the latest scientific advice to ensure the health of farmed fish and shellfish. Learn more about: fish health, sea lice and therapeutant use.

	Using Resources Efficiently A sustainable aquaculture industry is one that is economically viable. Using feed and animal resources efficiently is both good husbandry and good business. Learn more about how the scientific research being conducted by industry and governments contributes to advances in feed, stock containment in net pens, closed containment technology, and waste management.

	Ensuring Seafood Safety Fish and seafood are an important part of a healthy diet, so our aquaculture products must be both safe and nutritious. Rigorous standards and regulations are in place to ensure the safety of our fish and seafood. Learn more about how we partner with industry on quality controls, tracing seafood, nutrition, and shellfish safety.

	Enriching Communities Aquaculture is an essential industry, employing over 14,000 people, most of them in coastal and rural communities across Canada. Aquaculture operators must be able to make a positive impact at the community level as well – respecting local communities, First Nations, and ecosystems, and providing steady growth and stable jobs. Learn more about aquaculture in Canada and its socio-economic impacts.

	Measuring Sustainability Sustainability should be able to be measured and demonstrated. To ensure our aquaculture products continue to be recognized for their sustainability, we are working with the industry on third-party certification against internationally recognized standards and reporting on our progress every year. Read more about reporting and certification.