Farm-Raised Salmon Garners High Value for British Columbia

Over 83,000 tonnes of cultured salmon (Atlantic and Pacifics) were harvested in 2011, garnering a wholesale value of $550.3 million and landed value of $435.3 million, according to the Province of BCs Seafood Year in Review report for 2011. The second largest that year was the wild groundfish fishery, which saw $328.1 in wholesale value.

These hard numbers add to the broader value of our sector which we see as supporting local communities by producing a safe, healthy product and ensuring a responsible, stable farming community, said Mary Ellen Walling, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association.

British Columbia produced 262,600 tonnes of seafood with a $810.2 million in landed value in 2011. Based on those numbers, BCs salmon farmers account for nearly 32 per cent of the provinces seafood production and 54 per cent of the landed value.

Contributing in this significant way to the BC economy is really important to our farmers but so is making sure were doing it well to ensure that were driving economic activity only through responsible farm activities, said Ms Walling.

All of BCs seafood products are excellent choices for consumers providing a healthy food that has grown locally and been harvested under strong regulation. The confidence felt internationally in the safety of BCs seafood was highlighted in the Year in Review Report.

Our products are internationally respected as safe and secure and that makes them more attractive in many markets. Seafood products are safer than ever, thanks to our strict and stringent safety protocols, said Norm Letnick, BCs Minister of Agriculture.

To read the British Columbia Seafood Industry Year in Review report, click here.

The BCSFA represents salmon farm companies and those who supply services and supplies to the industry. Salmon farming provides for 6,000 direct and indirect jobs while contributing $800-million to the provincial economy each year.