Empty waters mean empty futures...

We contribute to sustainable, responsibly produced seafood.

a balanced diet

Health benefits

Salmon is an excellent source of protein, and contains significantly less saturated fats than an equivalent serving of other meats.
The Canada Food Guide recommends at least two servings of oily fish per week as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
85% of Canadians report eating salmon, but only 12% eat enough to meet the Health Canada guidelines for fish consumption per week.

omega-3's

Omega-3’s are called “essential fatty acids” because the body cannot synthesize them on its own. Omega-3’s are best known for their ability to reduce the occurrence of heart disease, but the benefits don't end there. More generally, they have been documented to lower the risk of a wide number of health issues including (but not limited to): depression, Alzheimer’s, ADHD, macular degeneration, a range of autoimmune diseases, and asthma.

heart

Omega-3 fatty acids can improve cardiovascular health by: lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels, promoting healthy circulation, and reducing the risk of blood clots. One study has suggested eating an extra portion of fish per week can lower the risk of heart disease by 50%. 

body

Salmon is a source of tryptophan, a natural sedative that helps reduce stress and improve sleep. Salmon is also an excellent source of Vitamin D – a vitamin shown to reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.

mind

The omega-3 fatty acid DHA is the main structural fatty acid in the central nervous system and retina, and is especially important for fetal brain development, and learning capabilities and performance in young children.
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A regional priority

There are 200 aquaculture facilities (of varying sizes) in Nova Scotia, with an estimated annual production value of $57 million.
Approximately 50% of total aquaculture production in Canada originates in Atlantic Canada.
Aquaculture represents a sustainable industry that provides vital socio-economic benefits to the region: especially in small rural, coastal, communities.

employment & education

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! 

socioeconomic impact

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.

A National Industry
Aquaculture generates over
$1 billion dollars for the Canadian economy each year, with Atlantic Salmon as Canada’s top aquaculture export.
More than 85% of Canadian aquaculture production is exported, primarily to the United States.
Canada boasts the world’s longest coastline, most extensive freshwater reserves, and largest tidal range – all ideal conditions for aquaculture.

Value-added Exports

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.

The Future

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. 

A Global PERSPECTIVE

Demand

Demand for seafood is growing. The United Nations estimates a 50-80 million ton seafood shortfall by 2030. To account for this need, the farmed fishing industry is projected to double output over the same period. An estimated 50% of seafood consumed globally is currently sourced by aquaculture.

diversity

Aquaculture dates back to 5,000 BCE when Chinese fishers cultivated carp. Now there are over 1,600 marine species with documented harvest rates. Since 1970, the global aquaculture industry has grown at a rate of approximately 10% each year. Aquaculture is now the fastest growing food production system globally.  

dependence

Over 90% of all cultured harvest of fish occurs in developing countries, where it provides nutritious food and animal protein. In addition to food security, farmed fish represent a valuable economic export along with critical job creation. Work directly related to fisheries/aquaculture is estimated to employ 10–12% of the world’s population.
we’re working to meet global needs
Time series for global aquaculture of true salmon by Epipelagic

Accounting for 70% (2.4 million metric tons) of the market, salmon aquaculture is the fastest growing food production system in the world.