Aquaculture in Canada
Source: Library of Parliament
In just 50 years, global aquaculture has grown from an almost negligible industry to rival the production of wild capture fisheries. While the latter has stagnated over the last 25 years, aquaculture production has expanded about five times, which has enabled the food fish supply per capita to grow.1 Canada's aquaculture industry is relatively small compared with that of other countries, but it has a strong niche market in some species, particularly Atlantic salmon, and it is important economically to a number of coastal communities. However, the aquaculture industry in Canada faces economic and environmental challenges. This paper describes the Canadian aquaculture industry, current issues it faces and options for its growth.