Canada’s harvesting sector has thrived for over 200 years; operating off the coasts of a country the longest coastline in the world and some of the most plentiful freshwater resources. The national harvesting sector supports more the 90,000 jobs in local, coastal and Indigenous communities, and generates more than $9 billion in contributions to the national GDP annually.

Today, more than half the world seafood is produced from sea farming. In 2020, global aquaculture production reached a record 122.6 million tonnes, with a total value of USD 281.5 billion, clearly demonstrating the value of this fast-growing industry. In Canada, aquaculture activity is primarily focused on finish (primarily salmon and trout), and shellfish (mostly clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops) though other species are also being farmed.

Seafood processing in Canada takes place mostly in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador, contributing nearly $2B in economic activity to the Atlantic region and supporting nearly 25,300 jobs.