Atlantic Canada’s largely salmon-based aquaculture industry continues to expand significantly due to new investment, according to the latest Report Card by the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (APEC). While global demand for farmed seafood is increasing, the region’s aquaculture industry must continue to adapt to cope with the strong Canadian dollar, fish disease, increasing competition and environmental concerns.
“Aquaculture is the fastest growing source of food production in the world and Atlantic Canada is benefiting from this industry’s rapid growth,” said APEC Research Analyst Patrick Brannon.
The APEC report examines trends in the region’s aquaculture-related production, which more than doubled in value from CAD 160 million in 1996 to CAD 356 million in 2010. The industry accounted for nearly 2,500 direct jobs in 2007 and another 2,200 through spinoff industries.
“The aquaculture industry is particularly important in several rural regions with high unemployment, where it provides much-needed work,” said Brannon.
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