Aquaculture Sustainability Initiatives

Healthy and productive ecosystems are vital to the sustainability of aquaculture in Canada.

Informed by science, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and other federal, provincial and territorial government partners establish the regulations, policies and standards on which to control the environmental effects of aquaculture operations and protect the health of farmed fish and shellfish. The Department also works closely with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and industry to ensure healthy, nutritious fish and shellfish products are available to consumers in Canada and around the world.

To ensure healthy ecosystems, for example, there are management measures in place to control the location of aquaculture sites, organic waste, and introductions and transfers of fish and to prevent the likelihood of farmed fish escapes.

• Ensuring healthy ecosystems

To protect fish and shellfish health, the industry has adopted science-based practices to minimize stress, reduce disease risks, and prevent the spread of diseases and pests.

• Protecting fish and shellfish health

To meet the growing global demand for fresh, nutritious and reliable sources of protein, leaders from across the seafood industry – retail, food service, processing, harvesting, and trade associations work together to promote the image of Canada’s seafood and enhance the industry’s ability to compete.

• Seafood value chain round table

Canada’s aquaculture industry must operate in a manner that ensures environmental sustainability. Indicators to measure the performance of the industry in ensuring healthy ecosystems and healthy aquatic animals are presently under development as part of the Aquaculture Sustainability Reporting Initiative – a collaborative activity between industry, governments, and other interested groups.

• Sustainability Reporting Initiative

More information:

• Management and regulations