Over 4,000 people are employed directly or indirectly by the aquaculture industry in Atlantic Canada. With seven regional universities and five community colleges offering courses and programs relevant to the sector, these individuals are highly trained!
The region has experienced 400% growth in seafood production over the past 25 years. Ideally situated by two large world markets – the United States and Europe – Atlantic Canada boasts extensive coastlines with cool, clean water.
Aside from providing fish exports, Canada contributes valuable knowledge, services, and state-of-the-art equipment to the global aquaculture industry. Canada is home to a number of well-established hubs of information: from the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance, to the Aquaculture Association of Canada, to a number of regional organizations which conduct research, monitor industry growth, and pave the way for new markets.
This industry employs the younger generation – about 70% of all workers in the aquaculture industry are under the age of 35. Apart from primary production, fisheries and aquaculture provide jobs in processing, packaging, marketing and distribution, manufacturing of fish-processing equipment, net and gear making, boat construction and maintenance, research/administration, and much more.