Aquaculture

In Canada, aquaculture is regulated by various laws that focus on sustainable development of this industry. Federal requirements for aquaculture include:

• Navigational safety;
• Protection of fish habitat;
• Shellfish water quality; and
• Food safety.

In Quebec, the responsibility for regulating aquaculture is shared between the Governments of Canada and of Quebec. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has a responsibility to coordinate federal actions in the field of aquaculture and to harmonize them with those of the Government of Quebec.

• Request for an Aquaculture Site in a Marine Environment
• Funding Programs
• Location of Marine Aquaculture Sites
• Links of Interest
• Contact Us

Other subjects of interest on aquaculture are also available on the National website
National Fisheries and Oceans Canada website on aquaculture

Request for an Aquaculture Site in a Marine Environment

Obtaining an aquaculture site in a marine environment is subject to a joint assessment process between the federal and provincial government. The assessment will determine the acceptability of the application and identify the authorizations to be issued to the applicant. To this end, a Joint Canada – Quebec guide, Application for or modification to an aquaculture site in a marine environment has been prepared to assist the proponent's efforts to obtain the necessary permits to operate an aquaculture site in marine waters.

Joint Canada-Québec Guide – Application for or modification to an aquaculture site in a marine environment (PDF only)
    Application form for a Shellfish site for commercial purposes (PDF only)
    Application form for a site for research and experimentation purposes (PDF only)

For more information on provincial regulations for aquaculture : Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (French only).

Additional information
Location of aquaculture sites in a marine environment
Information on authorised aquaculture sites in a marine environment

National Code on Introductions and Transfers of Aquatic Organisms
Fisheries and Oceans Canada - national site

Access Policy to Wild Aquatic Resources as it Applies to Aquaculture
Fisheries and Oceans Canada - national site

National Aquatic Animal Health Program
Canadian Food Inspection Agency - aquatic animals

Navigable Waters Protection Program
Transports Canada

Funding Programs

Fisheries and Oceans Canada manages two funding programs that support the competitiveness and sustainable development of the aquaculture industry.

Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (ACRDP)
This program involves the acquisition of scientific knowledge related to research priorities identified by the industry. It allows for increased cooperation in research and development between the aquaculture industry and the Department.

Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program (AIMAP)
This program aims to improve the competitiveness of the Canadian aquaculture industry by encouraging innovation. The adoption of innovative approaches and technologies helps to ensure the sustainability of the industry and to favourably position Canadian aquaculture products on the markets.

Minister Shea Announces New Investments to Support Innovative Aquaculture Projects in Quebec
News release – July 17, 2009

Projects Funded Under the Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program (AIMAP) in Quebec
Backgrounder – July 2009

Location of Marine Aquaculture Sites

The marine aquaculture sites location system provides information on authorised aquaculture sites in a marine environment in Quebec :

• Enterprises;
• Location of sites;
• Cultivated species; and
• Type of aquaculture operation.

Map of aquaculture sites

List of marine aquaculture sites

Links of Interest

Canadian Aquaculture R&D Review 2011
Aquaculture Association of Canada

Aquatic Invasive Species
General information and identification booklet

Scallop culture in Quebec: growing a larger industry
Science’s Feature Articles – December 2007

The self-regulated collectors: a cost-effective avenue of diversification for mussel farming in Quebec?
Science’s Feature Articles – January 2010

“If you build it they will come”: bivalve aquaculture boosts local biodiversity
Science’s Feature Articles – July 2009

Statistics on aquaculture in Canada
Fisheries and Oceans Canada - national site

Plan de développement sectoriel en aquaculture commerciale 2010-2013 (PDF, French)
Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec — November 2010

Contact Us

Regional Aquaculture Coordination Office
Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Quebec Region
104, Dalhousie Street
Quebec, Quebec  G1K 7Y7
Telephone: 418-649-6079
Fax: 418-648-4667