WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT TO WISCONSIN: Wisconsin businesses offering products or services to the aquaculture industry may find opportunities in that market.
Aquaculture is thriving in Canada, according to the Fisheries Council of Canada.
The council says fish and seafood farming contribute more than $9 billion CAD ($6.5 billion USD) to Canada’s economy and support more than 90,000 jobs.
The aquaculture industry—defined as farming fish and seafood in fresh or saltwater—is active in communities in every province and in the Yukon Territory. Salmon, mussels, trout, oysters, and clams are among the most popular species farmed across the country. The Fisheries Council says 94% of the aquaculture farms are harvested at sustainable levels.
According to a Canadian government report, finfish farming made up 73% of the industry’s volume and 90% of its value in 2023. Salmon topped the list, accounting for 57% of the total volume and 69% of the value. Mussels and oysters are the most farmed shellfish.
British Columbia is the biggest contributor to Canada’s aquaculture industry, the report says, and produced more than 67 tons in 2023. Salmon is the primary product from the western province. New Brunswick is the leading aquaculture producer on the Atlantic side, where shellfish take priority.
Canada is a “water nation,” with the longest coastline and some of the largest freshwater resources in the world, the Fisheries Council of Canada says. Canadian seafood is exported to more than 130 countries.
Public health agencies recommend eating at least two servings of fish a week because of its protein and high levels of beneficial Omega 3 fats.
Wisconsin companies in the aquaculture industry may find opportunities in Canada.
