Harper Government takes further steps to ensure a sustainable and prosperous aquaculture sector in Canada

News Release

February 14, 2014 - Nanaimo, British Columbia

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, along with Dr. James Lunney, MP for Nanaimo Alberni, today provided further details on the Government of Canada’s investment of $54 million over five years to continue Canada’s Sustainable Aquaculture Program, which focuses on scientific research and regulatory enhancements.

With its Sustainable Aquaculture Program, the Government of Canada is creating the conditions, with science as the foundation, that will enable the Canadian aquaculture industry to be successful while operating in an ecologically sustainable manner. Under the renewed program, up to $27 million is being directed to further our scientific knowledge through research, operational analyses, risk assessment and scientific peer-reviewed advice. The two other pillars of this program are regulatory reform and improved reporting.

Quick Facts

Aquaculture supplies approximately 50 percent of the fish and seafood consumed worldwide, and demand is steadily increasing. It is the world’s fastest growing food production system.
The Canadian aquaculture industry generates 174,000 tonnes of product and $2 billion annually in total economic activity. In 2012, aquaculture accounted for 16% of Canada’s total seafood production.
The sector supports over 14,000 jobs in rural areas, and increasingly more in Aboriginal communities. There are approximately 50 First Nations communities that are engaged in aquaculture or related industries.
Canada is recognized internationally as one of the best places in the world for sustainable aquaculture. It benefits from the world’s longest coastline and freshwater system, optimal growing conditions for key commercial aquaculture species and proximity to major markets. Canada also has highly skilled managers and employees and world-class research capacity that supported early competitive advantages in aquaculture, such as vaccine development and animal husbandry research.

Quotes

“Aquaculture is the fastest growing food production sector worldwide and creates much needed jobs in rural areas and Aboriginal communities. Our Government’s investment of $54 million will help address the sector’s challenges to growth by reducing red tape, improving regulatory management and transparency; as well as increasing scientific knowledge and supporting science-based decision-making,” said Minister Shea.

“Through the renewal of the Sustainable Aquaculture Program and together with its partners, the Government of Canada continues its commitment to a sustainable and prosperous Canadian aquaculture sector,” said Minister Shea.