Sharing Canadian aquaculture industry facts
Canada: Monday the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) launched a brand new national awareness campaign intended to educate the country about its billion dollar industry.
In a CAIA press release, Ruth Salmon, Executive Director, said "In these uncertain economic times, aquaculture is a bright light driving the Canadian economy."
"Despite its growing contribution to the economy, our industry is largely misunderstood by Canadians. Few people know that aquaculture occurs in every Canadian province - even the Yukon. Canadian finfish and shellfish farmers produce more than 70 types of seafood, and have become world leaders in growing safe, heart-healthy seafood," Ms. Salmon continued.
The following is a Top Ten list of facts Canadians don't know about their country's aquaculture industry:
1. Aquaculture occurs in every Canadian province, including the Yukon. 2. Canada's aquaculture industry produces more than a dozen types of seafood. 3. Aquaculture is a billion dollar industry in Canada. 4. More than 85 percent of Canada's aquaculture production is exported. 5. 16,000 Canadians are employed in aquaculture. 6. Sixty-two percent of Canadian consumers have purchased farmed salmon in the past 12 months. 7. Aquaculture produces fresh seafood year round. 8. Farmed and wild seafood offer the same health benefits. 9. Half of all seafood eaten by people around the world is farmed. 10. Without aquaculture, the world will face a seafood shortage of 50-80 million tons by 2030.
The Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) is a national industry association, headquartered in Ottawa, that represents Canadian aquaculture operators, feed companies and suppliers, as well as provincial finfish and shellfish aquaculture associations. CAIA provides a strong, independent and united voice for Canada's aquaculture industry.
