Support for fish farming is growing in Atlantic Canada, poll finds

The survey of 1,450 adults in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador found that 85% “completely” or “mostly” support fish farming. This represents a four-point increase since the last survey, in 2024.

The poll was carried out by Narrative Research Associates for the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers’ Association (ACFFA).

Support for the sector has reached the highest on record in Nova Scotia (83%, up six points from 2024) while New Brunswick matched its previous 2020 peak level (87%, up three points from 2024). Support for the aquaculture industry is strongest in PEI (93%; up six points from 2024) while support in Newfoundland and Labrador is 83% (up one point from 2024).

The survey also found:

• 88% agree local salmon farming provides important employment opportunities (up from 84% in 2024)
• 82% say it is an important contributor to the provincial economy (up from 76%)
• 82% agree salmon farming is a reliable and sustainable source of protein (up from 81%) and
• 83% agree aquaculture “is a form of farming, just like agriculture on land”.

When asked why they support the sector, Atlantic Canadians most often pointed to “jobs in rural communities” (37%) and “economic benefits” (34%).

Atlantic Canada’s finfish farming sector employs more than 9,400 people, generates $3.2 billion (£1.75bn) in economic output, and produces more than 356 million meals annually, according to an analysis based on 2024 Statistics Canada data.

Finfish farming also supports more than 1,400 Atlantic Canadian businesses that provide goods and services to the sector, ACFFA said, generating over CAN $600m (£330m) in annual sales.

“This survey confirms what we’re hearing across Atlantic Canada – people see finfish farming as an important part of our food future,” said Tom Taylor, Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers’ Association.”

He added: “Atlantic Canadians understand that producing more food at home matters. With the right policies and continued innovation, finfish farming can play a major role in strengthening Canada’s food security while creating good jobs and supporting coastal communities.”