Newfoundland and Labrador - a rare find

Aquaculture

Newfoundland and Labrador’s aquaculture industry is strategically located for North American and European markets. With over 17,000 kilometres of coastline, we are blessed with extensive open areas of pristine water ideally suited for aquaculture. The North Atlantic is known globally for its coldwater, high-quality seafood.

2020 Aquaculture Production

Specific areas within the province have been identified as desirable locations for aquaculture, including Notre Dame Bay, Green Bay, the Connaigre Peninsula, Bay d’Espoir, Fortune Bay, and Placentia Bay. These areas offer opportunities for all segments of the aquaculture industry, with proven results for salmonids and mussels. Total aquaculture production in 2020 was reported as 10,648 tonnes, valued at $95.9 million.

Species

Salmon

Atlantic salmon is the major salmonid species cultured in Newfoundland and Labrador.  The sector is comprised of three large multinational companies, Mowi, Cooke Aquaculture and Grieg NL, operating marine cage sites along the south coast of the province.  The south coast region is the only part of the province suitable for salmonid culture as the bays and fiords are generally ice free the entire year.

Shellfish

The shellfish sector in Newfoundland and Labrador consists of blue mussels and American oysters.  Our ocean, with the ideal temperature, salinity, water depth, and pristine conditions, produce flavourful, plump, and sweet-tasting shellfish species.  Our organically certified blue mussels account for a large majority of all production of aquaculture related shellfish species.  Newfoundland grown American oysters were first marketed in December 2019, and 2020 was the first full year oysters were available for market distribution.

Steelhead Trout

Newfoundland steelhead trout are raised in Bay d’Espoir which is located on the south coast of the island. This fjord-sculpted bay reaches far inland and offers the rare combination of crystal-clear North Atlantic salt water layered with freshwater inflows from the region, which funnels cold, clean freshwater into the upper Bay d’Espoir region.

Programs

Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF)

A contribution program funded jointly by the federal and provincial governments, the program will see an investment of $400 million over 7 years to support Canada’s fish and seafood sector transition to meet growing market demands for products that are high quality, value added and sustainably sourced. The federal government will provide 70% of the funding, and 30% will come from participating provinces. The AFF supports initiatives that focuses on three areas innovation; infrastructure and science partnerships.

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Aquaculture Capital Equity Program

This provincial program provides a minimum equity investment to qualifying companies of $250,000 for finfish operations and $100,000 for shellfish, to match a private sector cash investment to increase production from both hatcheries and marine sites in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Read the Brochure

Aquaculture Working Capital Loan Guarantee Program

This provincial program provides assistance to organizations with strong business and operational plans.
Read the Brochure

Research and Development Funding

Funding for commercial, academic, and student research and development, ranging from proof of concept to commercialization.
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10-year Industry Growth of 500% by Value

$276 Million Market Value in 2016

Cold, Clear North Atlantic Waters

Protected Bays and Inlets for Year-round Production

Get Started!

Aquaculture Development
aquaculture@gov.nl.ca

709.292.4100