Raised in BC: Farm Facts
Get to know salmon farming in British Columbia through fast facts, topic-specific resources, and clear answers from the BC Salmon Farmers Association.
Fast Facts
A quick snapshot of salmon farming’s presence and economic contribution in British Columbia and across Canada.
~50,000
Tonnes of BC farm-raised salmon produced annually
$1.2B
In annual economic output
$483M
In GDP across Canada
4,051
Full-time jobs
Explore Our List of FAQs
Click a question below for a concise answer, then use the topic cards below to read our information sheets for each topic!
How many marine finfish aquaculture licences are there in BC?
There are 61 marine finfish BC aquaculture licences in British Columbia, per Fisheries and Oceans Canada's current licence holders dataset (2026).
Read more: Chapter 2 — The Big Picture
How much BC farm-raised salmon is produced annually?
BC salmon farmers produce approximately 50,000 tonnes of farm-raised salmon each year — about 380 million meals.
Read more: Chapter 2 — The Big Picture
How do salmon farmers support fish health?
Farmers work with fish health teams, regulatory agencies, and First Nation Rightsholders. Their practices include selective breeding, vaccines, monitoring, record keeping, prescribed treatments, and government fish health audits.
Read more: Chapter 11 — Caring for Fish Health
What is incidental catch?
Incidental catch means wild finfish caught during fish handling events such as sampling, treatments, harvest, movement between pens or facilities, or net removal. Investments in equipment, practices, and training have helped reduce these interactions.
Read more: Chapter 6 — Minimizing Incidental Catch
How have fish escapes changed since 2010?
BC salmon farmers have reduced fish escapes by 97% since 2010, in collaboration with First Nation partners, regulators, and the aquaculture supply chain.
Read more: Chapter 5 — Preventing Escapes
What is the economic impact of salmon farming?
Salmon farming generates $1.2 billion in annual economic output, $483 million in GDP across Canada, and supports 4,051 full-time jobs.
Read more: Chapter 13 — Community Benefits
How do salmon farmers work with First Nations?
Every salmon farm in BC operates in agreement, negotiation or partnership with the First Nations in whose territories it is located.
Read more: Chapter 4 — Caring for Indigenous Stewardship
How are sea lice monitored and managed?
Salmon farmers use treatment tools to minimize sea lice on farm-raised salmon and have engaged researchers and third-party experts for nearly two decades to monitor sea lice on juvenile wild salmon.
Read more: Chapter 10 — Sea Lice Management
Is BC farm-raised salmon sustainable?
BC salmon farmers operate to world-class standards, and many sites are certified to independent programs such as Best Aquaculture Practices. Farmed salmon has the lowest carbon footprint of any major animal protein, and by 2030 roughly 60% of the world's seafood is expected to come from aquaculture.
Read more: Chapter 7 — Feed Sustainability & Chapter 1 — Caring for Coastal BC
Where is salmon farmed in British Columbia?
Salmon is farmed in coastal waters off Vancouver Island and BC's central coast, with hatcheries, farms and processing facilities supporting communities from Vancouver Island to Klemtu. The sector is anchored in Campbell River, home of the BC Salmon Farmers Association.
Read more: Chapter 3 — Local Habitats & Chapter 1 — Caring for Coastal BC
What is the 2029 ocean-pen transition?
In June 2024, the federal government announced a plan to end current ocean-pen salmon farming in BC by 2029. The BCSFA continues to advocate for science-based policy that protects coastal jobs, food security and First Nations partnerships.
Read more: Chapter 2 — The Big Picture & Transition Principles Report
What is the difference between farmed and wild salmon?
Both are healthy choices. Wild salmon is harvested from the ocean, while farm-raised salmon is raised in managed marine sites. Science shows wild and farmed salmon can co-exist, and farming helps meet rising demand without adding pressure to wild stocks.
Read more: Chapter 8 — Protecting Biodiversity
Is farmed salmon safe to eat?
Yes. Farm-raised salmon is produced under strict food-safety oversight, with fish health managed through veterinarian-led programs, monitoring and government audits from egg to plate.
Read more: Chapter 12 — Food Safety and Security
Explore topic-specific resources
Click on the buttons below to read and download topic-specific information sheets.
Fish Health
Salmon farmers, fish health teams, regulators, and First Nation Rightsholders keep farm-raised fish healthy through selective breeding, vaccines, monitoring, prescribed treatments, and government audits.
Wild Salmon
Wild Pacific salmon spend part of their lives in BC watersheds and nearshore environments. Salmon farmers are positioned to support conservation through salmon expertise, oceanography, and year-round coastal presence.
Under The Farm
Farms must follow laws that protect fish, fish habitat, and wildlife. This includes monitoring the footprint beneath farms and respecting coastal biodiversity.
Wildlife Interactions
Interactions between wildlife and salmon farms are usually harmonious and occur from a safe distance. When wildlife comes close, care is taken to protect wildlife, people, and infrastructure.
Incidental Catch
Incidental catch refers to wild finfish caught during fish handling events. Over the past ten years, farmers have invested in equipment, practices, and training to minimize these interactions.
Fish Escapes
BC salmon farmers have reduced fish escapes by 97% since 2010 in collaboration with First Nation partners, regulators, and the aquaculture supply chain.
Economic Impact
Salmon farming supports thousands of year-round jobs and creates ripple effects that provide economic stability in small coastal communities.
First Nations
Coastal First Nations are advancing inherent rights to manage their territories while participating in Canada’s economy. Resource sectors, including salmon farming, continue to evolve through respectful partnerships.
Sea Lice
Farmers use state-of-the-art sea lice treatment tools and have engaged researchers and third-party experts to monitor sea lice on juvenile wild salmon for nearly two decades.
