Aquaculture initiatives and management measures

Learn about our latest aquaculture initiatives.

On this page

• Area-based aquaculture management
• Framework for Aquaculture Risk Management
• Renewed Commitment to the Aquaculture Development Strategy

Area-based aquaculture management

Area-based management will enhance collaboration between federal, provincial and Indigenous partners. This method improves information sharing, collective planning and ongoing monitoring and management of aquaculture activities. It aims to ensure that the unique environmental, social and economic characteristics of coastal and marine areas are understood when decisions are made regarding the placement and operation of aquaculture facilities.

Area-based aquaculture looks beyond potential impacts on a specific site. It also considers the wider ecosystem, such as a bay or estuary in which these facilities would be located.

Some countries have moved towards more comprehensive planning and assessment of potential aquaculture activities. The proposed area-based approach will increase consideration of Indigenous and community concerns when planning and approving aquaculture operations.

Framework for Aquaculture Risk Management

We’re developing a Framework for Aquaculture Risk Management to guide the development of future aquaculture policies. This framework will also advise on how the precautionary approach should be incorporated into federal decision making for aquaculture.

The framework’s objective is to explain how we manage the risks associated with aquaculture, particularly where there is scientific uncertainty. It will show how to apply the precautionary approach to sustainably manage aquaculture.

The framework is founded on science, but its application will also be guided by:

• stakeholder engagement
• socio-economic objectives
• consideration of Indigenous and local knowledge
• effective co-management with other government departments and agencies

Renewed commitment to aquaculture development strategy

Federal, provincial and Yukon governments established the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers Aquaculture Development Strategy. This strategy aims to support continued growth in aquaculture production that is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.

The strategy sets out a 3-year plan designed to improve:

• a federal and provincial/territorial regulatory framework
• coordination of aquaculture fish health management
• support for regional economic growth through aquaculture

At the June 2017 council meeting, ministers agreed to accelerate work under the strategy.

At the December 2018 meeting, the council confirmed the mandate, which means we’ll continue work on the strategy until at least 2022.

So far, work under the first pillar has been completed but they’re still working on pillars 2 and 3.