85% of Atlantic Canadians support aquaculture

A new regional poll conducted by Narrative Research Associates on behalf of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) found 85% of Atlantic Canadians support the aquaculture industry. The figure not only represents an increase of four points since 2024 but also hits a record high.

Province by province, the survey showed that support has increased in all of them. The strongest support for the aquaculture industry was found in Prince Edward Island, at 93%, up 6 points from 2024. New Brunswick followed, matching its previous peak from 2020 with 87% support, 3 points higher than in the previous survey. In Newfoundland and Labrador, support stands at 83%, up 1 point from 2024, while Nova Scotia, also at 83%, has reached its highest on record, a 6-point increase from 2024.

Employment in rural communities and economic benefits are key to this support

Conducted by telephone between February 4 and 23, 2026, by Narrative Research Associates as part of its Atlantic Quarterly Survey, the poll—which results are accurate to within ±2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20—surveyed 1,450 Atlantic Canadians aged 18 and over.

According to the ACFFA release commenting on the results, when asked why they support the sector, Atlantic Canadians most frequently cited employment in rural communities (37%) and economic benefits (34%).

Among the findings of the survey, the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association highlighted precisely that strong recognition of the sector's economic and labor contributions.

Thus, according to the survey, compared to 84% in 2024, this year 88% agreed that local salmon farming provides significant employment opportunities, and 82% stated that it is a major contributor to the provincial economy, compared to 76% two years ago. Also, 82% agreed that farmed salmon is a reliable and sustainable source of protein, up 1 point from 2024.

In addition, 83% agreed that aquaculture is a form of agriculture, just like agriculture on land, a position that the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) has been advocating and which, in June 2025, turned into a campaign, calling for federal government leadership in the growth and development of aquaculture as part of the fabric of a competitive, innovative, and sustainable Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector.

"Atlantic Canadians understand that producing more food at home matters"

"This survey confirms what we're hearing across Atlantic Canada – people see finfish farming as an important part of our food future," said Tom Taylor, Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association, commenting on the results.

"Atlantic Canadians understand that producing more food at home matters. With the right policies and continued innovation, finfish farming can play a major role in strengthening Canada's food security while creating good jobs and supporting coastal communities," he concluded.

Regarding the economic and employment contribution of the aquaculture industry in Atlantic Canada, the ACFFA noted that, after more than 40 years of producing sustainable and nutritious protein, today, finfish farming is one of the most important economic drivers in the region, supporting coastal communities while coexisting with traditional wild-caught fisheries.

The sector employs more than 9,400 people, generates CAD 3.2 billion in economic output, and produces more than 356 million meals annually (RIAS Inc. analysis based on 2024 Statistics Canada data). And not only that, but finfish farming also supports more than 1,400 Atlantic Canadian businesses that provide goods and services to the sector, generating over CAD 600 million in annual sales.

Part of that success is due to the financial support received from the federal government through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF). Last Christmas, the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association sent a letter to the Prime Minister urging him to fulfil his election pledge to renew and improve this fund.