The International Salmon Farmers Association marked its 25th anniversary with the release of the report 'Salmon Farming: Sustaining Communities and Feeding the World' at the Seafood Expo North America trade show in Boston, US.
“This report celebrates a remarkable achievement. Since our industry began about 40 years ago, farmed salmon has become a staple of healthy, nutritious and affordable diets around the world, and our industry has become an economic driver and social mainstay of rural communities across the globe,” said Trond Davidsen, President of the International Salmon Farmers Association.
The report shows that the global salmon farming industry produces $10 billion (USD) worth of salmon each year, creates 121,000 direct and indirect jobs around the world and stimulates thousands more spin-off jobs and economic growth in a wide variety of other sectors.
Keith Colwell - Nova Scotia Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Rick Doucet - New Brunswick Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries and Minister of Economic Development
Sebastian Bell - Executive Director of the Maine Aquaculture Association
Trond Davidsen - President of the International Salmon Farmers Association
Armund Drønen Ringdal - Norway’s Deputy Minister of Fisheries
“Salmon farming is one of the most efficient protein producers in the world,” said Mr Davidsen.
“With land and fresh water resources shrinking, the global salmon farming industry represents one of the best ways to feed the world’s growing population with a minimal environmental footprint.”
The also report outlines some key statistics about the growing population and the need to find innovative ways to feed the world. It also includes overviews of the industry in every country where salmon is farmed and examples of coastal communities that have been revitalized because of salmon farming.
Commenting on the report, Gail Shea, Canada’s Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, said the ISFA report marks a significant milestone in the development of the salmon farming industry.
“This report confirms Canada’s aquaculture industry has come of age. It illustrates the critical importance of salmon farming globally and how Canada’s coastal communities are uniquely positioned to benefit. Our Government is proud of our commitment to grow the aquaculture industry sustainably and create much needed jobs in rural, coastal and Aboriginal communities,” said Ms Shea.
Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers’ Association, Pamela Parker, also commented on the report, saying: “Salmon farming is already one of this region’s biggest economic drivers, employing over 3,000 people in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and generating C$356 million economic activity locally.”
“Our region plays an important role in the success of the global salmon farming industry. In fact, 50 per cent of Canada’s farmed salmon is grown in Atlantic Canada. With our vast aquatic resources, innovation and technical expertise, we have a tremendous opportunity to continue to create jobs and economic prosperity in our coastal communities.”
