"Atlantic Canada's salmon farming sector is unique – from its ocean environment to its communities, to its innovations, to how its regulated," said the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association.
Photo: Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association.
While Canada's federal government sets its rules for open-net aquaculture by banning it in British Columbia, companies set theirs by halting investment, and other coastal provinces - which, unlike BC, do have regulatory powers in the matter - make their own. New Brunswick has been quick to say it is welcoming to more open net-pen salmon farming business and investment.
After announcing the ban on open net-pen salmon aquaculture in BC's coastal waters by June 30, 2029, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) also announced the renewal of licenses for five years and said that a draft transition plan for the sector will be published by the end of July. But following this statement, DFO included a clarification.
"This transition only applies to aquaculture practices in British Columbia, where Fisheries and Oceans Canada is the lead regulator for aquaculture," it read. "Elsewhere in Canada, where provinces and territories are the lead regulator, Fisheries and Oceans Canada respects their jurisdiction."
And it is precisely this last point, who has jurisdiction in each territory, that New Brunswick's Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister, Margaret Johnson, emphasized in her statement in response to the recent federal government decision regarding aquaculture in BC.
"New Brunswick has always been a strong supporter of the salmon aquaculture industry. We have witnessed the growth of this industry, which is a responsible and sustainable sector within our province built upon science, technology advancements and innovation," she said.
"Our finfish growth strategy, recently revised Aquaculture Act and aquaculture-related regulations across the provincial government provide a strong and effective regulatory framework for the aquaculture sector, as well as other users of the marine space and the waters in which they operate," Margaret Johnson continued.
"Despite the recent federal decision on salmon farming in British Columbia, we continue to support marine-based net pen salmon farming in New Brunswick, where we are the lead regulatory agency for aquaculture. We are open for business and encourage new investment in this ever-evolving sector that supports many coastal communities," New Brunswick's Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister concluded.
Johnson was not alone in pointing out that on Canada's East Coast, each province is the lead manager and developer of the salmon farming sector. Susan Farquharson, Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) spoke in the same vein in the statement issued by the ACFFA in support of their counterparts in British Columbia.
"The BC plan is not backed by science and demonstrates that Fisheries and Oceans Canada cannot effectively manage our oceans and should not have the responsibility to manage ocean farming," read the statement signed by Farquharson. Previously, it said the plan is "an offence to good science and good governance and a disturbing example of reckless political interference by the Prime Minister's office in the management of our oceans."
"Atlantic Canada's salmon farming sector is unique – from its ocean environment to its communities, to its innovations, to how its regulated," ACFFA release continued. "Here on the East Coast, each province is the lead manager and developer of the salmon farming sector in its own province. This allows each province to adapt the industry regulations to its own unique coastal areas with the shared goal of long-term sustainability. Our aquaculture sector is well-managed, sustainable and vital to our economy and food security."
The salmon farming industry is one of Atlantic Canada's biggest economic drivers. According to figures provided by the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association, it employs over 8,000 people, generates CAD 2 billion (EUR 1.36 billion / USD 1.46 billion) in total economic output, and grows over 323 million meals annually.
Farmed salmon is the second largest agricultural export in this part of the country and its marine farms produce 40% of Canada's farmed salmon. Moreover, the ACFFA release stated that 81% of consumers surveyed in the Atlantic region support salmon farming (Narrative Research 2024).
"Atlantic Canada’s salmon farming sector will continue to rely on science to evolve so that we can continue to play our vital role in food security, battling climate change and bringing jobs and prosperity to our communities," Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association concluded.