What Is Aquaculture?
Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association
What is Aquaculture?
Farming the ocean for finfish, shellfish and aquatic plants has been a way of life for people around the world for centuries, dating back to the Ancient Egyptians and the Aztecs. Modern salmon farming didn’t get its start in Canada until about 40 years ago.
Atlantic Canada helped pioneer the aquaculture industry, and continues to be recognized as an innovative international leader today. From highly-skilled engineers, veterinarians and researchers to marine biologists, scientists and farmers, the individuals who work in aquaculture industry are world-class experts in their fields.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, farmers grow many species: Atlantic salmon and Steelhead trout, Blue mussels and oysters, lumpfish and seaweed. Our farms employ the latest technologies from around the world, and our companies are committed to a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
Responsible and Sustainable Farming
Aquaculture. Bringing so much to the table.
Our farmers know that a healthy ocean is essential for the production of healthy, high-quality seafood. Caring for our fish and shellfish means caring for the ocean and the environment for our future generations.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s aquaculture industry is rooted in strict adherence to science-based sustainable farming practices. Our farmers use resources efficiently, following comprehensive farming practices for feed management and water and energy consumption.
All of our aquaculture sites adhere to an array of provincial statutes, regulations, policies and guidelines. Many of our aquaculturists also further surpass government environmental standards by achieving third party certification, further validating that their farmed seafood products meet comprehensive food safety, environmental and social standards.
For more information on Responsible and Sustainable Salmon Farming, see our Atlantic Salmon from the “our products” section.
For more information on Responsible and Sustainable Mussel Farming: Blue Mussels
Figure 17: Aquaculture Production and Value
Newfoundland and Labrador, 2005-2023p
Industry by the Numbers
AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION
Commercial aquaculture production in the province is comprised of salmonids (i.e., Atlantic salmon and steelhead trout) and shellfish (i.e., blue mussels and oysters). The volume of aquaculture production increased significantly in 2023, rebounding after a year of lower salmonid production.
Aquaculture production volume in Newfoundland and Labrador was approximately 19,083 tonnes in 2023, a 47.0 percent increase over 2022. The corresponding market value was $219.0 million.
Aquaculture production statistics are published annually by the provincial Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Salmonid Production
Salmonid production was 15,018 tonnes in 2023. Atlantic salmon is the major commercial salmonid species in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Shellfish Production
Blue mussels account for the vast majority of shellfish production, with locally grown American oysters entering the market in the last four years. Shellfish production was 4,065 tonnes in 2023.