Survey shows increased support for finfish farming in Atlantic Canada

The proportion of people who support finfish farming in Atlantic Canada has grown to a record high 85%, a new survey shows.

The telephone survey of 1,450 Atlantic Candian adults was performed by Narrative Research Associates for the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers’ Association (ACFFA).

It shows that support for the sector in Atlantic Canada has risen by four percentage points since 2024.

Up in all Atlantic provinces

Support for the sector has reached the highest on record in Nova Scotia (83%, up from 77%) while New Brunswick matched its previous 2020 peak level (87%, up three points from 2024). Support for the aquaculture industry is strongest in PEI (Prince Edward Island) at 93%, up six points from 2024, while support in Newfoundland and Labrador is 83% (up one point from 2024).

Results of the survey show:

• 88% agree local salmon farming provides important employment opportunities (up from 84% in 2024)
• 82% say it is an important contributor to the provincial economy (up from 76%)
• 82% agree salmon farming is a reliable and sustainable source of protein (up from 81%)
• 83% agree aquaculture is a form of farming, just like agriculture on land

'Part of our food future'

The latter statistic is significant for the sector, which is campaigning for fish farming to be regarded and treated in the same way as land farming.

“This survey confirms what we’re hearing across Atlantic Canada – people see finfish farming as an important part of our food future,” said ACFFA’s executive director, Tom Taylor.

“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.”

9,400 jobs

According to ACCFA, finfish farming employs more than 9,400 people in Atlantic Canada, and generates CAD 3.2 billion (£1.76bn) in economic output. Finfish farming is also said to support more than 1,400 Atlantic Canadian businesses that provide goods and services to the sector, generating more than CAD 600m in annual sales.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, where the industry employs more than 3,500 people, there are 100 farm sites, while in New Brunswick, home of global finfish farmer Cooke Aquaculture, there are 90 sites and the sector employs more than 5,100 people.

There are 30 sites in Nova Scotia, where the sector employs 734 people.

There are no salmon or trout farms on Prince Edward Island but the province is home to hatcheries, processing and aquaculture research facilities.