Current news: Aquaculture

Aquaculture-raised fish are being recognized globally as a reliable and important food source. The Government of Canada is taking strong leadership on aquaculture to ensure fish farming in Canada is both economically successful and environmentally sustainable. We ensure our policies and regulations are informed by science and consider feedback from stakeholders. Find the latest news regarding our aquaculture policies here.

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Title Publication Date Department News type Teaser
The Government of Canada is helping Quebec fisheries and aquaculture businesses improve environmental sustainability and business results 2019-08-09 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release Investments in clean technology for fish harvesters and aquaculture farms in Quebec help make them more sustainable and competitive.
Government of Canada announces enhancements to sea lice enforcement in British Columbia 2019-06-28 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release Demand for fish and seafood as a high-protein food source is increasing significantly worldwide and putting pressure on wild fish populations. Approximately half of the seafood consumed worldwide is produced by the aquaculture industry, which is and will remain an important source of seafood-based protein.
Government of Canada takes further action to enhance aquaculture sustainability in British Columbia 2019-06-04 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release Global demand for fish and seafood as a high-protein food source is increasing significantly. Over half of seafood consumed world wide is produced by aquaculture operations. Ensuring that the aquaculture industry is successful in the future is imperative to reducing overfishing and ensuring wild fish stocks are sustainable. However, Canadians must be assured that aquaculture is environmentally sustainable.
Government of Canada moves to strengthen science on aquaculture ensuring protection of wild fish stocks 2019-05-28 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release The Government knows the importance of implementing evidence based policies relating to aquaculture. With this in mind, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, will create an external Advisory Committee on Aquaculture Science, and will immediately launch a public process to select Committee members.
Government of Canada welcomes delegation from the Republic of Mozambique to learn more about Canada’s fisheries and ocean management 2019-05-06 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release Last week, the Government of Canada welcomed a delegation from the Republic of Mozambique to Atlantic Canada for a study visit focusing on fisheries, aquaculture, and oceans management.
State of the Atlantic Ocean report shows the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems 2019-04-10 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release Canada’s Atlantic Ocean is one of the most productive marine environments in the world. It is home to an abundance of biodiversity from crabs, to lobsters and wild fish stocks, and supports more than 55,000 jobs in industries like fishing, aquaculture and tourism. The Atlantic Ocean is vital for Canada’s economy and culture, and it is important that we continue to invest in science and research to ensure the government and our partners understand the current state and pressures our oceans are facing.
Government of Canada takes steps to protect Aquatic Species at Risk 2019-03-25 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release Canada’s natural environment and wildlife are at the core of our national identity. Biodiversity is the cornerstone of our way of life - the health of the natural environment supports our culture, our well-being and our economy. Unfortunately, some of the species in our waters, rivers, lakes and estuaries are at risk and need our collective help to ensure their survival for future generations. We must take urgent, collective action to protect them.
Government of Canada helping fisheries and aquaculture businesses adopt clean technologies 2019-03-11 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release Investments in clean technology that support more sustainable fishing and aquaculture sectors protect our environment while helping businesses remain competitive in the global trade market. Taking action to make our Canadian businesses stronger and more competitive by making targeted investments in clean solutions will help us grow and sustain a vibrant coastal economy.
Advancement on the State of Salmon Aquaculture Technology 2019-03-06 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release In December, the Government of Canada announced a new approach to aquaculture that is focused on ensuring Canada’s aquaculture industry is economically successful and environmentally sustainable.
The Government of Canada takes action to protect aquatic species at risk 2019-02-14 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release Canada’s natural environment and wildlife are at the core of our national identity. Biodiversity is the cornerstone of our way of life - the health of the natural environment supports our culture, our well-being and our economy. Unfortunately, some of the species in our waters, rivers, lakes, estuaries, and marshes are at risk and need our collective help to ensure their survival for future generations. We must take urgent, collective action to protect them.
Minister Wilkinson meets with New Brunswick Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, Ross Wetmore 2019-01-19 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson and the New Brunswick Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, the Honourable Ross Wetmore, discussed common priorities during their first in-person meeting on Saturday, January 19, 2019.
Government of Canada helping fisheries and aquaculture businesses improve environmental sustainability and business results 2018-12-20 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release Taking action to improve the environmental sustainability of British Columbia businesses while also helping to improve business results is critically important to future business competitiveness and to the quality of our natural environment. That is why the Government of Canada is making targeted investments in deploying clean technology solutions that will help fisheries related businesses become more clean, green and sustainable.
Government of Canada announces new way forward on aquaculture management and the protection of wild salmon 2018-12-10 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release Global demand for fish and seafood as a high-protein food source has increased significantly in the last decades. This demand is projected to further increase as the world’s population continues to grow. Combined with unprecedented pressures on many global fish stocks in our oceans, it is clear the world needs aquaculture.
Government of Canada makes it easier for Canadians to learn about aquatic species at risk 2018-11-16 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release The Government of Canada is committed to protecting and restoring Canada’s aquatic species at risk. The solutions are wide ranging and require collaboration between the provinces and territories, industry and all Canadians.
The Government of Canada supports the protection and recovery of species at risk 2018-11-09 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release The Government of Canada is committed to protecting and recovering aquatic species at risk, to the benefit of Canada’s biodiversity and local communities that rely on our natural resources.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada launches assessment to examine the risk of Piscine Reovirus transfer from farmed Atlantic salmon aquaculture 2018-09-25 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release The Government of Canada uses sound, scientific advice to protect our aquatic ecosystems and to support sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister for Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced today that Fisheries and Oceans Canada has launched a science review to assess the risks to Fraser River sockeye salmon due to Piscine Reovirus (PRV) transfer from Atlantic salmon farms located in the Discovery Islands area of British Columbia.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Université du Québec à Rimouski collaborate in aquatic sciences 2018-08-08 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release The Government of Canada is investing in science partnerships that will inform decision-making about the protection and management of aquatic resources in our oceans for the benefit of all Canadians.
The Government of Canada is investing in research and education to prevent Zebra and Quagga mussels invasion in the Okanagan region 2018-08-06 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release Aquatic invasive species pose a threat to Canada’s waterways and native species, and have negative economic impacts. The Government of Canada is committed to taking action on aquatic invasive species, including Zebra and Quagga mussels, by investing in the necessary research to understand the threat, and to educate the public on how they can help to prevent the spread.
British Columbia businesses supported in clean technology adoption by Fisheries and Oceans Canada 2018-04-10 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release The adoption of clean technology and innovation is a key component to stronger and greener fisheries and aquaculture industries in Canada. Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced over $225,000 in funding from the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program to support clean economic growth for six British Columbia businesses.
Ontario’s fisheries and aquaculture industries receive federal and provincial funding to adopt clean technology solutions 2018-04-04 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release The adoption of clean technology and innovation are key components to stronger and greener fisheries and aquaculture industries in Canada. Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and the Honourable Jeff Leal, Minister Responsible for Small Business for the province of Ontario, announced over $1.5 million in funding to support clean economic growth for Ontario businesses.
Government of Canada is taking action to better understand the effects of contaminants on aquatic species 2018-02-19 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release Our oceans, lakes and rivers provide Canadians with food, recreation and well-paying jobs. The Government of Canada is committed to understanding harmful stressors in our environment so that we can better protect our oceans and freshwater for future generations.
Minister LeBlanc announces independent expert panel on aquaculture science 2018-02-02 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release The Government of Canada is committed to regulating a responsible and sustainable aquaculture sector. Robust and credible science helps the Government make evidence-based decisions that support the protection of our environment, ensuring that sustainable industries continue to provide good, middle-class jobs for Canadians.
Risk assessment finds minimal risk of pathogen transfer to wild salmon 2017-12-20 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release Scientific research plays an important role in informing our policy choices on sustainable aquaculture activities and management. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) released a science advisory report today on the assessment of the risk to Fraser River sockeye salmon due to Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHNV) transfer from Atlantic salmon farms located in the Discovery Islands area of British Columbia.
Canada launches clean technology program for the fisheries and aquaculture industries 2017-12-18 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release Investing in clean technology for our fisheries and aquaculture industries helps protect our environment, while increasing competitiveness and creating jobs for Canadians.
New funding supports technical innovation to restore salmon-bearing watersheds in British Columbia 2017-10-10 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release The Government of Canada is committed to restoring healthy habitat for our coastal ecosystems. Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard announced that the Pacific Salmon Foundation of British Columbia will receive $1.2 million over three years through the Coastal Restoration Fund to help restore wild Pacific salmon, their aquatic ecosystems, and the myriad of species they support.
Government of Canada is investing in science capacity and jobs at the St. Andrews Biological Station 2017-07-19 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release The Government of Canada is committed to using scientific evidence to inform marine management decisions. Investments in science will help protect our oceans and ensure that our fisheries and aquaculture sectors provide meaningful employment for Canadians for generations to come.
The Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers vows to collaborate to better manage Canada’s three coasts and inland waterways, in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, and stakeholders, for the benefit of all Canadians 2017-06-28 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release Federal, Provincial and Territorial Fisheries Ministers are committed to working together to ensure that fisheries and aquaculture sectors thrive and remain sustainable and healthy, providing meaningful employment and economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples and all Canadians.
Future Pacific Science Enterprise Centre opens its doors to the public 2017-06-10 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release Today, Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament Pamela Goldsmith-Jones welcomed the public to an open house at the Centre for Aquaculture and Environmental Research (CAER), locally known as the West Van Lab.
The Government of Canada boosts efforts to protect Aquatic Species at Risk 2017-05-03 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release The Government of Canada takes the protection of species at risk seriously and is committed to protecting this country’s wildlife for our benefit and the benefit of generations to come.
Protecting Jurassic Period Glass Sponge Reefs: another step towards Canada’s marine conservation target 2017-02-16 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced the establishment of the new Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound Glass Sponge Reefs Marine Protected Area to safeguard the globally unique and important aquatic environment that provides key habitats for marine wildlife.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada has announced three research projects conducted in collaboration with partners to support the Quebec fishing industry and mariculture 2017-01-26 Fisheries and Oceans Canada News release The Government of Canada is committed to reinvesting funds in support of science programs to help protect the health of fish stocks and support responsible and sustainable aquaculture in the coastal regions of Canada. The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, has announced three new collaborative research projects, designed to improve our knowledge of the aquatic species populations that are harvested in Quebec.