How we conduct and use aquaculture science

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) conducts aquaculture research and monitoring to ensure management, policy, and regulation are informed by scientific evidence.

On this page

• What kind of science is done
• How do we use this scientific research
• What research has already been done
• Related links

What kind of science is done

We conduct research on farmed species (e.g., salmon, oysters, mussels, etc.) and the surrounding environment in both freshwater and ocean areas across Canada.

Our areas of research include:

• aquatic animal health
• pest and pathogen treatment and management
• interactions with wild populations
• release of organic matter
• habitat impacts
• how multiple activities affect ecosystems

How we use this scientific research

The information we collect through our aquaculture research is used for various purposes including to:

• understand how aquaculture activities impact the environment
• provide science advice to government for developing aquaculture policy and regulations
• fill information gaps
• explore new technologies
• improve understanding of farmed species health to support management of pests and diseases

What research has already been done

From 2008 to 2022, DFO conducted over 125 projects to provide important science on aquaculture in Canada. We continue to conduct aquaculture science to ensure optimal health of farmed and wild species as well as environmental protection.

We have also worked collaboratively with the aquaculture industry to fund and conduct 442 projects from 2001 to 2024 under the previous Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (ACRDP).

Related links

• Partnerships and collaboration
• Science Industry Collaboration Hub
• CSAS publications
• Aquatic animal health science
• Biotechnology and genomics
• National Aquatic Animal Health Program
• Videos related to Fisheries and Oceans Canada