December 3, 2025

 

Canadian aquaculture industry body releases 2025 sustainability report for salmon farming

 

 

The Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) published its 2025 Sustainability Report for Canadian salmon farming, which highlights the sector's commitment to responsible food production for chefs, grocers, and families.

 

Fish health, climate change, sustainable feed, food security, food traceability, ocean health, and public reporting are the focus of the report.

 

Timothy Kennedy, president and chief executive officer of Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance, said in a press release: "Aquaculture farmers know that growing food for Canadians must be environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable. These results show salmon farming companies have adopted science-based methods that have improved the standard of salmon farm sustainability overall in Canada. Moreover, the results clearly reinforce that ocean farming, innovation, increased production, and job creation need to be supported by governments to build investor confidence."

 

Health and welfare are a top priority for producers. Progress was reported for several indicators under the fish health anchor, giving credit to best management practices and technologies that support the well-being of farm-raised salmon and protection of wild salmon.

 

The 2025 Sustainability Report remarked the following highlights:

 

    - Antibiotic use reduced to 50%, mortality reduced to 15%, and a reduction to less than 20% of fish ingredients (including fishmeal, oil, and protein) in salmon feed;

 

    - Fish escape incidents in the ocean diminished from 13 to 8 nationwide (1,246 individuals);

 

    - All farms (100%) have underwater cameras and sensor equipment to ensure an appropriate amount of food;

 

    - Strictly assessments by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the sector’s federal regulator, to encourage compliance with laws and regulations.

 

Kennedy stated: "Canada has the most cold-water aquaculture potential in the world. We can be a global leader, but to build a strong Canada, this opportunity needs to be realised. Right now, there is a window for Canada to reset policy to embrace the seafood farming sector as part of the fabric of a competitive, innovative, and sustainable Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector and protect Canadian workers and the over 3,000 supplier companies to the sector. We are ready to build and grow a future of sustainable and secure food production and dynamic coastal communities."

 

Kennedy added: "While we are proud of our progress, we are committed to pursuing improvement in our practices and technology. With the right regulatory environment and a pathway to unlock investment in innovation, we will continue to advance the sector's performance, responding to challenges and ensuring a healthy, secure, and high-quality Canadian source of food for all Canadians."

 

- Aquafeed.com