FISH FARM FACTS

Science &
Research

Atlantic salmon farming is based on science and research and the sector continues to evolve, like it has from its beginnings over 40 years ago. Science, research, and technology are at the core of the sector – from farming practices to feed and feeding systems, to waste management, fish health, ocean health and food safety. The people who work in the salmon farming industry are world-class experts in their fields – from highly-skilled engineers, veterinarians and researchers to marine biologists, scientists and hatchery managers.

Science.
Atlantic salmon farmers continue to invest millions of dollars into the research and development of alternative ‘green’ sea lice technologies that include warm water baths, ‘cleaner’ fish and broodstock enhancements.

Quantifying salmon feed waste, using salmon waste as fertilizer or fuel, feed trials to test alternate feed ingredients and sediment profile imagery are just a few of the many research projects occurring. Artificial intelligence is also being harnessed to make salmon farming more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. AI allows farmers to view and monitor fish health and feeding from remote locations.

The ACFFA plays a lead role on behalf of industry in advocating for scientific research and technological development that is industry-driven and ensures the ongoing sustainability of the sector. The ACFFA is proactive in maintaining relationships with R&D agencies and collaborators at the regional, national and international level by participating in research workshops and in the development of collaborative research programs.

Research.
With a goal to continue to innovate and improve farming technology, our salmon farming companies work with the best researchers and scientists.

These researchers and scientists come from a range of positions, including federal and provincial governments, universities, and from institutions such as the Atlantic Veterinary College, the Huntsman Marine Science Center, the University of New Brunswick, the St. Andrews Biological Station, the National Research Council, Dalhousie University, Memorial University, Sterling University (Scotland), University of Maine, University of Guelph, and University of Toronto.

Salmon Science Hub.
Pathogens From Salmon Aquaculture in Relation to Conservation of Wild Pacific Salmon in Canada: An Alternative Perspective – Dr. Gary Marty
A new academic review challenges the dominant scientific and political consensus that open-net pen salmon farming poses a long-term threat to wild salmon stocks. The paper, published in the peer-reviewed journal Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries, show there is minimal risk and argues that the evidence for harm from farm-origin pathogens is overstated, and in many cases methodologically flawed.
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Trends in Abundance of Sea Lice Lepeophtheirus salmonis and Caligus clemensi on Juvenile Wild Pacific Salmon Unchanged Following Cessation of Salmon Aquaculture in Coastal British Columbia – Simon Jones
A new scientific study published in the Journal of Fish Diseases has found no evidence that salmon farms in British Columbia are the primary driver of sea lice infestations in wild Pacific salmon, challenging a long-standing claim made by critics of aquaculture in the region.
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Harnessing the Waters: Sustainable Aquaculture – World Bank Group
A new report jointly released by the World Bank and the World Wildlife Fund identifies sustainable aquaculture as a key growth sector for the global food system, forecasting a $1.5 trillion investment opportunity that could create as many as 22 million new jobs by 2050.
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Annual Report on Health Monitoring of Wild Anadromous Salmonids in Norway 2023
Study shows there is little viral and bacterial transmission from farmed fish to wild fish in an investigation of viruses and bacteria in migrating wild salmon and sea trout in Norway.
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A Comparative Analysis of the Nutritional Quality of Salmon Species in Canada among Different Production Methods and Regions – Caroline Gillies
Canadian study shows that nutritional content of salmon is determined by species, not whether farmed or wild.
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Exposure of Female Lobsters to Sediments Spiked with Emamectin Benzoate: Effects on Eggs and Larvae Early Development – Davide Asnicar
Canadian study shows adult female lobster are not at risk when exposed to salmon farming sea lice treatment emamectin benzoate up to 29X higher than environmentally relevant values.
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Salmon Farmers Recognized As Global Leaders in Sustainability
Coller FAIRR Protein Producer Index measures protein producers on social and governance themes aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Seven of the top 10 producers in most recent assessment are salmon farming companies.
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Farmed salmon is the most efficient form of protein production. This is no accident. In my company alone we have a number of dedicated research centers, with a global network of scientists comprising around 30 nationalities. We collaborate with over 60 universities and research institutions, and regularly contribute articles to peer-reviewed scientific journals. This is just my company! Over the years we have seen incredible leaps in knowledge and technology with an underlying focus on environmental stewardship and sustainability. There is always more to learn, and science will continue to propel aquaculture into the future as a solution to provide healthy food and maintain a healthy environment for generations to come.
Dr. Steve Backman
Produce Manager (Skretting)
Diploma in Agriculture, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Diploma in Anatomical Pathology
33 years working in aquaculture
Atlantic Canadian salmon farmers have adopted the most rigid standards for marine ocean farming and are certified by credible environmental groups based on sound science principles. They have and will continue to innovate to reduce and mitigate any potential impacts from the ocean farming of Atlantic salmon. They have adopted the most rigid ocean containment systems to prevent escapes, developed ways to reduce marine resources in feeds (oil and meal) and adapted eco-friendly parasite control (cleaner fish, mechanical). They base their farming on the most current science and technology available.”
Cyr Couturier
Aquaculture Scientist, Chair MSc Sustainable Aquaculture Program School of Fisheries, Marine Institute of Memorial University
Over the past two decades, we have seen major improvements in habitat monitoring results which we attribute to the commitment of Atlantic Canadian salmon farmers to advance scientific research in feed management, engineering, and production. Our work in the field and in the lab is scrutinized very heavily by the regulatory authorities, particularly under the annual Environmental Monitoring Programs in each province. When aquaculture operations are sited and managed properly, there is every reason to expect long-term environmental sustainability.”
Bob Sweeney
President & Sr. Project Manager at SIMCorp
38 years working in aquaculture
Aquaculture is based on, and driven by, strong, innovative science. There are thousands of scientific articles published every year on aquaculture science, which are making discoveries that improve the efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture. It’s a dynamic industry that relies on these scientific discoveries to make strides forward in producing healthy food and minimizing environmental impacts.”
Dr. Stefanie Colombo
Ph.D. (Biology), M.Sc. (Biology), B.Sc. (Marine & Freshwater Biology)
Assistant Professor and Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Aquaculture Nutrition
10 years of university education, 13 years of working and training in aquaculture
News & Releases
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
December 19, 2024
End of a Chapter at Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA)
December 4, 2024
Marine Protected Areas in Atlantic Canada: A Political Facade Not a Practical Plan
December 3, 2024
Saving the Inner Bay of Fundy Wild Atlantic Salmon: New Research to Advance Recovery Efforts
November 8, 2024
Bob Sweeney Earns 2024 Atlantic Canada Aquaculture Award
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