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 finfish farming industry (salmon and trout) is one of the region’s biggest economic drivers, co-existing with wild capture fisheries since its inception.

Finfish farming employs over 9,420  people in our region, generates $3.2 billion in total economic output and produces more than 356 million meals annually. Finfish farming supports over 1,300 Atlantic Canadian businesses that supply goods and services to the sector, generating over $600 million in annual sales. (RIAS Inc. based on 2024 Stats Canada data)

 

 

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Finfish farming brings prosperity to coastal communities in Atlantic Canada.
100
farm sites
3,514
workers employed
$1.9B
economic output
141M
meals produced
NEW

BRUNSWICK
Finfish farming provides year-round, full-time jobs to Atlantic Canadians.
90
farm sites
5,164
workers employed
$1.6B
economic output
154M
meals produced
NOVA

SCOTIA
Finfish farming provides opportunities so that families can live and work in Atlantic Canada.
30
farm sites
734
workers employed
$283M
economic output
56M
meals produced
PRINCE

EDWARD ISLAND
There are no salmon or trout farms on Prince Edward Island but the province is home to hatcheries, processing and world-class aquaculture research facilities.
News & Releases
December 18, 2025
ACFFA Calls on Federal Government to Renew and Enhance the Atlantic Fisheries Fund
November 8, 2025
Remembering Susan Farquharson
October 24, 2025
Clarence Blanchard Recognized for Lifelong Impact on Atlantic Canada’s Aquaculture Sector
September 22, 2025
Learning from Norway: Reflections on the Atlantic Aquaculture Mission to AquaNor
June 4, 2025
Don’t Be Fooled by Misinformation – Farmed Salmon Is Healthy, Responsible, and Here to Stay
April 15, 2025
Apply Now for ACFFA’s 2025 Atlantic Salmon Research Award
April 3, 2025
ACFFA Welcomes Poilievre Statement on Marine Protected Areas and Calls for Protection of Coastal Jobs in Atlantic Canada
March 14, 2025
ACFFA Welcomes Tom Taylor as New Executive Director
March 10, 2025
Susan Farquharson Earns 2025 VIVE Award for her Gender Equality Work
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