Salmon farm. (Photo: Stock File)

Canadian aquaculture sector experiences positive moment

Canada's seafood farmers produced a solid year of sustainable growth and new jobs in 2016, according to a new report released by the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA).

The report, entitled Sustainable, Diverse and Growing – The State of Farmed Seafood in Canada 2017, shows revenues that reached CAD 1.35 billion (USD 1.06 billion) in 2016, and included an economic impact of CAD 5.1 billion (USD 4 billion), jobs totaling 25,040, and indigenous participation across the nation.

"Canada's seafood farmers have much to be proud of in 2017. They are producing the highest quality farmed seafood, they are creating year-round jobs, and they are opening new opportunities for local Indigenous communities," said Timothy Kennedy, Executive Director of CAIA in releasing the report.

The encouraging outlook revealed by the report is based on the latest Statistics Canada data, including:

• Revenues in 2016 of CAD 1.34 billion (USD 1.05 billion), an increase from CAD 918 million (USD 722 million) in 2015;
• 2016 farmed seafood production was 200,565 tonnes – up from 190,111 in 2015;
• Canada's aquaculture exports in 2016 were valued at a record CAD 1 billion (USD 787 million).

The document also points out that in 2016, Canadian farmed seafood production and processing generated a total of over CAD 5.1 billion (USD 4 billion) in economic activity, CAD 2 billion (USD 1.5 billion) in GDP, and CAD 1.16 billion (USD 913 million) in wages for 25,000 Canadian workers.

Besides, it states that over 40 First Nation and Indigenous communities are now directly or indirectly involved in farming seafood in Canada and that indigenous participation in farmed seafood is found in nine of the ten Canadian provinces.

As well as that, the analysis depicts that only 1 per cent of Canada's marine and freshwater area that is suitable for seafood farming is being used. And that Canada has by far the lowest level of production per kilometre of coastline amongst its major competitors.

Furthermore, it highlights that Canada today implements science-based practices that minimize stress, maintain a healthy aquatic environment, reduce disease risks, and prevent the spread of diseases when they do occur.

Finfish represents the largest component of the aquaculture sector, with 27 different species such as salmon, trout, and Arctic char commercially grown in all regions in Canada - in both marine and freshwater environments.

Shellfish is also an important part of the aquaculture sector on both coasts with 20 different species of shellfish cultured, such as mussels, oysters, clams and scallops.
 

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