Sustainable fish and seafood

Bounded by three oceans – the Pacific, Arctic and Atlantic - Canada is home to the longest coastline and the largest freshwater lake system in the world. We are proud of the fish and seafood that come from them. Fish and seafood are part of our culture, our way of life, so it's vital that our fisheries remain healthy for future generations.

Our clean, cold waters contain more than 160 species of fish and seafood, and our fresh, frozen, smoked and canned products are in high demand in every corner of the globe.

Did you know?

• Fish and seafood are among the largest single food commodities exported by Canada.
• Canadian and US seafood harvesters and processors are closely interconnected, supporting North American food security.
• Canada exported fish and seafood products to 118 countries in 2024.
• Canada's most valuable exports by species in 2024 were lobster, snow/queen crab, and Atlantic salmon.

Learn more about our statistics, including on Canada’s fish and seafood trade, aquaculture, commercial fisheries, and recreational fishing.

Fisheries management in Canada

Canada is a world leader in the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture. Sustainable fisheries mean harvesting and farming fish stocks in a way that meets our present needs without compromising the ability to meet our future needs.

We have an abundance of ecologically diverse and economically significant freshwater and marine and coastal areas. We ensure our fisheries remain sustainable by making decisions that consider the connection between environmental, economic and social issues. Our overarching goal is to protect Canada’s three oceans, its coasts, waterways and fisheries, and to ensure these remain healthy for future generations.

Learn more about how our fisheries funds provide financial support to keep our fish and seafood sector sustainable and innovative, while meeting the growing demands of a worldwide market.

Top 10 global exports

Our continued focus on sustainable management has made fish and seafood among Canada’s largest exports of food products.

The following list shows Canada’s most valuable fishery exports for 2024, which reached 118 countries worldwide.

• Lobster ($2.9 billion)
• Crab ($1.6 billion)
• Salmon ($1.2 billion)
• Shrimp and prawn ($347 million)
• Halibut ($276 million)
• Scallop ($250 million)
• Clam ($210 million)
• Herring ($135 million)
• Cod ($81 million)
• Oyster ($79 million)