AQUACULTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN SEAFOOD PRODUCERS (2022)

Background

The fish and seafood sector is important to our national food security, and the jobs and livelihoods of hundreds of coastal, rural and Indigenous communities in Canada, directly employing approximately 65,000 people as well as indirectly employing thousands more in manufacturing and tourism and recreation related sectors [1].

 

According to the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA), Canada’s aquaculture sector generates $5.2 Billion in economic activity in Canada, contributes $2.1 Billion in GDP, and is responsible for exporting $1 Billion in exports [3].

British Columbia, which is helped by its diverse climate and geography, is one of the most diverse agriculture and fishing industries in Canada. The province currently produces over 100 different seafood species [4]. In terms of aquaculture production value by Province, British Columbia is the leader in production value.

 

A significant portion of BC’s production value comes from shellfish products such as oysters, mussels, clams, geo ducks and scallops as well as a promising emerging market in mariculture (seaweed production). As the Canadian aquaculture sector continues to grow, the need for a coordinated national aquaculture strategy remains critical.

A $42.8 million Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund (CFSO) was launched in 2018. The fund is

cost-shared (70% federal and 30% provincial/territorial). Investments focus on the fish and seafood sector with the aim of promoting market access and development for the fish and seafood industry, thereby increasing fish and seafood exports, creating jobs, and supporting coastal, rural and Indigenous

communities in Canada [6].

In 2019, the Federal government announced the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund. The fund provides an investment of up to $142.85 million over 5 years (i.e. until March 31, 2024) to support BC’s fish and seafood sector, and to ensure the sustainability of wild Pacific salmon and other BC fish stocks. The fund supports protection and restoration activities for priority wild fish stocks, including salmon, as well as projects that will ensure the fish and seafood sector in BC is positioned for long-term environmental and economic sustainability (70% federal and 30% provincial/territorial).[7].

In June 2020, the Federal government introduced the Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund providing $62.5 million in new temporary funding to the fish and seafood processing sector. These investments help applicants:

• increase storage to deal with excess inventory
• ensure the health and safety of workers and of the local food supply
• adopt advanced manufacturing technologies
• adapt to changing requirements and demand

However, the aquaculture industry is only eligible to apply for support if they are processing businesses. The fund cannot be used to aid in the farming of aquaculture products. Unfair funding opportunities for aquaculture producers and an abysmal track record for meaningful consultation with industry prior to regulatory changes and closures has been devastating to multiple businesses.

In addition to improving industry consultation, identifying focus areas in collaboration with Indigenous peoples on the west coast of Canada remains as a critical step in achieving greater certainty for the industry.

Canada’s seafood farmers are united in support of healthy, sustainable and responsible aquaculture growth and the timely passage of Canada’s first Federal Aquaculture Act.

The CAIA states that the introduction of a new Federal Aquaculture Act will set clear, consistent standards for aquaculture farming across the country, and allow for greater federal-provincial coordination in how the industry is managed.[8]:

• Foster a healthy, responsible and sustainable seafood sector in Canada
• Ensure a science-based, accountable and transparent management approach
• Revitalize hard hit coastal communities including Indigenous communities with sustainable high value jobs
• Enable greater federal/provincial co-operation and collaboration
• Meet future demand with global best practices and international competitiveness.

The proposed Aquaculture Act represents a step forward in modernizing how Canada views, regulates, and enables growth of the aquaculture industry. Rather than being regulated under the 150 year old Fisheries Act, the Aquaculture Act would recognize aquaculture as a farming activity consistent with the approach of other leading jurisdictions around the world [9].

THE CHAMBER RECOMMENDS

That the Federal and Provincial Governments:

1. Make greater efforts for meaningful consultation with industry and indigenous peoples prior to announcing regulatory changes and closures.

That the Federal Government:

• Enact a Federal Aquaculture Act, to establish national environmental standards and clarify industry responsibilities through meaningful regional engagement with all relevant stakeholders.

That the Provincial Government:

• Continue cooperative partnerships with Indigenous, local, federal and international governments in the delivery of funding programs that assist Canadian seafood producers with getting product to market that include the aquaculture industry.

[1] https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/16-002-x/2021001/article/00001-eng.htm

[2] https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/16-002-x/2021001/article/00001-eng.htm

[3] https://www.aquaculture.ca/industry-by-the-numbers-index (CAIA website)

[4] https://www.workbc.ca/labour-market-information/industry-information/industry-profiles/agriculture-and-fishing

[5] https://www.aquaculture.ca/products-regions-index

[6] Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/initiatives/opportunities 2018

[7] https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fisheries-peches/initiatives/fish-fund-bc-fonds-peche-cb/index-eng.html

[8] https://www.aquaculture.ca/industry-by-the-numbers-index (CAIA website)

[9] https://www.aquaculture.ca/industry-by-the-numbers-index (CAIA website)