First-Ever Global Socio-Economic Report on Salmon Farming Released

CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C., March 17, 2015 /3BL Media/ – Salmon farmers are producing 14.8-billion meals each year and creating 121,000 jobs around the world, according to the first socio-economic report on the salmon farming industry that was released today at Seafood Expo North America in Boston, Mass.   

The report was prepared by the International Salmon Farmers’ Association (IFSA) and outlines some key statistics about the planet’s growing population, and the need to find innovative ways to feed the world. It also includes overviews of the industry for every country where salmon is farmed, as well as examples of coastal communities that have been revitalized through salmon aquaculture.

“Farming the oceans in a truly responsible way has so much power to feed a growing population,” said BCSFA Executive Director Jeremy Dunn.  “In British Columbia we produce less than 5% of the annual global harvest, however our farming sector is worth more than $1-billion (CDN) towards the provincial economy and provides stable, good paying jobs in rural communities.”

The report, entitled Salmon Farming: Sustaining Communities and Feeding the World, found that global salmon farmers produce 14.8 billion meals every year from only .00008 per cent of the world’s oceans.

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 Shea.

According to the report, the global salmon farming industry produces $10 billion (USD) worth of salmon each year, creates 121,000 direct and indirect jobs, and stimulates economic growth in a wide variety of other sectors.

The full report is available at www.salmonfarming.org     On Twitter: @ISFA_salmon   #14.8billionmeals  

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About the BC Salmon Farmers Association:

B.C. salmon farmers grow 58% of all salmon raised in Canada and account for 60% of the total landed value of seafood in British Columbia, generating more than $1.14-billion towards the provincial economy.  The BCSFA represents the province’s vibrant and diversified salmon aquaculture sector, inclusive of companies raising salmon, as well as the businesses that proudly provide services and supplies.

For more information visit BCSalmonFarmers.ca