How has aquaculture become part of British Columbia’s fishing industry?

Aquaculture has become an increasingly significant component of British Columbia’s fishing industry, serving as a vital supplement to the province's traditional commercial fishing and sportfishing activities.1

While the province’s fishing sector has historically relied on the natural harvest of Pacific salmon, groundfish, halibut, herring, and various shellfish, the growth of aquaculture has helped address the limits of these natural ocean resources. As global demand for fish and shellfish increases, aquaculture provides a controlled method for the propagation and husbandry of aquatic organisms to meet market needs. This shift mirrors broader trends in the industry, where the rearing of high-value species—such as salmon and oysters—has gained commercial importance to ensure a consistent supply beyond what is available through wild capture alone.12