Researchers at Dalhousie University encourage the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans to consider both ocean and land-based salmon farming. This way the salmon would be more affordable.

A survey of over 10,000 Canadians showed more support for ocean-based farming than for land-based. Contrary, a federal government report said citizens prefer land-based farming and so accept to pay premium prices.

As a result of this, Stefanie Colombo, project lead researcher, pointed out how “confused and misinformed Canadians are about salmon production. While the federal government often listens to interest groups, it appears Canadians see the ocean as a very sustainable method of production, in addition to land-based production.”

According to the survey, phasing out ocean-based farming and moving production to land-based will make salmon less accessible. Further, no salmon consumers, 11% of respondents, confirmed price is a deterrent.

In addition, Canadian associations are asking the Government to step back its decision to close all net-pen salmon farming.