Canada’s seafood exports topped CAD 3.9 billion in 2010, up more than 7 percent from 2009, the nation’s government announced on Friday.
The country’s five most valuable seafood exports last year were lobster, Atlantic salmon, snow crab, shrimp and herring. The U.S. remained the No. 1 destination for Canada seafood exports, taking in nearly two-thirds of the total in 2010. Europe and Japan followed at more than CAD 400 million and CAD 300 million, respectively.
“Seafood is Canada’s second largest single food export commodity. Our government is working with all stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of our fisheries. Consumers an be confident that Canadian products are among the best in the world,” said Canadian Fisheries Minister Gail Shea. “The increase in Canada’s landings and exports for 2010 demonstrates the trust consumers place in our products worldwide. We are proud of this industry and will continue to support it.”
In addition, the government re-launched its sustainable seafood website, www.sustainable-seafood.ca.
To view a SeafoodSource interview with Shea from the International Boston Seafood Show on Sunday, click here.
