Blue Economy

Salmon farming is one of the foundations of BC’s Blue Economy - the sustainable use of ocean resources to support jobs, communities and food security. Farm-raised salmon contributes over $1.2 billion to the provincial economy each year and supports thousands of jobs, the majority in coastal and Vancouver Island communities where stable, year-round employment matters most.

BC salmon farmers produce approximately 50,000 tonnes of salmon annually, accounting for the large majority of the province’s farmed-salmon harvest. Nationally, the sector contributes $483 million in GDP and supports more than 4,000 full-time jobs. The sector also supports more than 1,400 local vendors and suppliers across BC, primarily on Vancouver Island.

Farm-raised salmon is also one of the lowest-carbon animal proteins available, making it a key part of how British Columbia and Canada can feed a growing population sustainably. By 2030, roughly 60% of the world’s seafood is expected to come from aquaculture - and BC is positioned to provide it responsibly, in partnership with First Nations and coastal communities.