Overview

Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic animals and plants under controlled conditions. It’s often called fish farming, though it also includes farming crustaceans (such as shrimp and crab), mollusks (like oysters and mussels) and aquatic plants (including kelp and algae).

Aquaculture occurs in both fresh and saltwater environments — in ponds, rivers, lakes, oceans and land-based facilities.

It is one of the world’s fastest growing food production sectors. More than half of all seafood consumed globally is produced by aquaculture. Future growth in global seafood demand is expected to be met through diverse aquaculture species and productions systems.

Aquaculture serves many purposes:

  • food production for human consumption
  • enhancement of recreational and commercial fisheries
  • rehabilitation of threatened and endangered aquatic species
  • research and education
  • fee-fishing operations
  • baitfish production
  • the aquarium trade and zoos

Ontario’s aquaculture sector

Aquaculture is an important economic driver in rural, Northern, and Indigenous communities across Ontario. It supports employment, prosperity, food security and a healthy local food source.

Ontario farmers use sustainable practices to produce high-quality seafood that is rich in lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals and vitamins. We are internationally recognized for our sustainable seafood production.

Major producers in Ontario are certified by the Global Seafood Alliance. The Vancouver-based conservation program Ocean Wise recommends Ontario-farmed rainbow trout as a sustainable choice.

Many aquaculture sites in Ontario operate through long-term partnerships with Indigenous communities. These partnerships support job creation, economic development and food security.

Ontario aquaculture uses both land-based and open water net pen systems to grow seafood. Farmers embrace innovation by using new technologies and practices, their level of production and environmental stewardship.

Aquaculture is supported in Ontario through advocacy, public outreach, research, education and a strong regulatory framework. This ensures responsible and sustainable development of the aquaculture sector. The Ontario Aquaculture Association (OAA) promotes the industry by fostering growth, innovation and partnerships across the province.

Ontario is Canada’s largest freshwater aquaculture producer and leads all provinces in rainbow trout productionfootnote 1. An abundance of freshwater resources, proximity to major consumer markets and an established infrastructure contribute to the sector’s success.

Regulations

Aquaculture in Ontario is governed by a regulatory framework that ensures sustainable and responsible production while protecting natural resources. Operating an aquaculture facility requires licensing, permits and approvals at the federal, provincial and municipal levels.

Federal government regulations

Aquaculture is governed federally by Fisheries and Oceans Canada under the Fisheries Act which includes Aquaculture Activities Regulations to protect fish and fish habitat.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA):

Provincial government regulations

In Ontario aquaculture is regulated by three provincial ministries:

  • Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)
  • Ministry of the Environment Conservation and Parks (MECP)
  • Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA)

Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)

MNR is the lead provincial ministry for aquaculture regulation and licensing under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.

An aquaculture license is required to culture fish in Ontario (unless exempted). It authorizes the culture, purchase, sale and transport of eligible aquatic species listed in the license.

MNR sets the species eligible for aquaculture in Ontario, listed in Schedule B — O. Reg. 664/98: Fish Licensing. Only species listed in schedule B can be farmed.

Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP)

MECP issues permits to take water for land-based aquaculture facilities that use more than 50,000 L per day. It also regulates effluent water discharge through Environmental Compliance Approvals under the Ontario Water Resources Act.

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA)

OMAFA regulates the management of materials containing nutrients, such as fish manure under the Nutrient Management Act.

Land-based aquaculture facilities may require a nutrient management strategy (NMS) or nutrient management plan (NMP).

OMAFA also regulates and licenses fish processing for aquaculture products sold within Ontario under the Food Safety and Quality Act. Processors within scope must have a provincial fish processing license.

Municipal government regulations

Aquaculture operations may be subject to business licensing, building permits, zoning and land-use bylaws as set out by municipalities.

Operations that use municipal water sources or discharge effluent water into municipal drains must comply with municipal regulations.

Research and education

The University of Guelph and Fleming College offer post-secondary education and training in aquaculture. The University of Guelph co-ordinates research, extension and educational activities to support producers.

The Ontario Aquaculture Research Centre (OARC), owned by Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO) and operated by the University of Guelph, plays a key role in aquaculture research. Its focus includes breeding and genetics, culture methods, fish health, welfare and behaviour, nutrition, growth and waste management.

OARC is home to the Getting Started in Aquaculture and Aquaponics workshop hosted by OMAFA and the University of Guelph. This workshop provides education and training for people interested in starting an aquaculture or aquaponics farm.

OMAFA also provides extension services for producers. For general enquiries about aquaculture in Ontario, contact the Agricultural Information Contact Centre:

Aquaculture species in Ontario

For food production

Primary species:

Secondary species:

Producer resources