FISH FARM FACTS

At A
Glance

Salmon farming in Atlantic Canada started 50 years ago because of lessons learned in wild salmon rehabilitation, enhancement, and salmon ranching activities. After years of experimentation and collaboration by researchers, academia, conservationists and government in Charlotte County, New Brunswick, the first commercial harvest of farmed Atlantic salmon in Atlantic Canada (14,000lbs) took place in Lord’s Cove, Deer Island in the fall of 1979. That accomplishment gave birth to the world-class salmon farming sector that now exists here.

At a Glance.
Today, Atlantic Canada’s salmon farming industry is one of the region’s biggest economic drivers, co-existing with wild capture fisheries since its inception.

Salmon farming employs over 8,000 people in our region, generates $2 billion in total economic output and produces more than 323 million meals annually. Salmon farming supports over 1,300 Atlantic Canadian businesses.

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Salmon farming brings prosperity to coastal communities in Atlantic Canada.
100
farm sites
1776
workers employed
$568M
economic output
92M
meals produced
NEW

BRUNSWICK
Salmon farming provides year-round, full-time jobs to Atlantic Canadians.
90
farm sites
5500
workers employed
$1.2B
economic output
181M
meals produced
NOVA

SCOTIA
Salmon farming provides opportunities so that families can live and work in Atlantic Canada.
30
farm sites
886
workers employed
$213M
economic output
50M
meals produced
PRINCE

EDWARD ISLAND
There are no salmon farms on Prince Edward Island but the province is home to hatcheries, processing and world-class aquaculture research facilities.
News & Releases
November 8, 2024
Bob Sweeney Earns 2024 Atlantic Canada Aquaculture Award
June 24, 2024
Federal Government Decision on BC Salmon Farms Is a Disturbing Example of Reckless Political Interference by the PMO in Ocean Management
June 5, 2024
It’s Time to Stop the Anti-Salmon Farming Blame Game
May 16, 2024
Salmon Farming Industry Calls for DFO Canada Researchers to Retract Biased Statements
March 19, 2024
Apply Now for ACFFA’s Atlantic Salmon Research Award
November 24, 2023
Species at Risk Act (SARA) Lumpfish Consultations
October 27, 2023
Dr. Steve Backman Earns 2023 Atlantic Canada Aquaculture Award
June 8, 2023
ACFFA Earns Gulf of Maine Industry Award for Environmental Leadership and Innovation
May 11, 2023
Meet ACFFA’s Science Liaison Coordinator
SUPPORT ADVOCACY FOR YOUR INDUSTRY — BECOME A
MEMBER
As the only association focused solely on salmonid farming in Atlantic Canada, the ACFFA can help you stay current on industry happenings, expand your network as well as promote and protect your interests.
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