Northern Ontario Aquaculture Association
Welcome to the Northern Ontario Aquaculture Association Web site!
Located in Little Current, Ontario on beautiful Manitoulin Island, the
Northern Ontario Aquaculture Association (NOAA) is a not-for-profit
organization that has become the voice for Ontario's environmentally
responsible aquaculture industry.

Environmentally Responsible
The NOAA strives to ensure our farm operations maintain high
environmental standards. We pride ourselves on our Omega-3 rich
Rainbow Trout that is raised in a manner that respects and protects
the beautiful pristine environment that is so essential to the future
existence of our  agri-food industry. The NOAA in cooperation with
Universities & Colleges, Federal & Provincial Ministries and other
stakeholders, are currently working on various environmental projects
in the development of "green" technologies and improved production
practices.

Strictly Regulated
Fish Farming is the most strictly regulated agricultural industry in
Ontario with 22 pieces of legislation and acts governing our fish
farming operations. Continuous improvements to our farms are also
achieved through Research & Development projects and Ontario
Freshwater Best Management Practices, which are initiated by industry
stakeholders. Aquaculture operations must meet rigorous federal,
provincial and international environmental standards. These standards,
based on the best available scientific research, are in place to minimize
and manage the risks associated with aquaculture operations.

Demand for Omega-3 Rich Products
In the past 10 years, aquaculture has emerged as an increasingly
important supplier of fish and other aquatic products in Canada and
has become one of the fastest growing food production industries.
Increased awareness of the nutritional benefits of eating fish and
seafood and its role in reducing the risk of chronic illness has meant
that more people are adding fish to their diet. The global demand for
Omega-3 rich fish products is growing faster than the wild capture
fisheries can provide. This growth is expected to continue in step with
population growth and dietary trends. Demand for seafood in North
America alone is expected to increase by up to 40 per cent by 2010.

Freshwater Aquaculture Leader
Ontario is well positioned to benefit from this development and has the
potential to be a leader in the freshwater sector for several reasons:
  • an extensive and healthy Great Lakes coastline;
  • productive freshwater resources;
  • a reputation for high quality and safe fish products;
  • an internationally reputable food inspection system;
  • proximity to established and growing markets;
  • availability of investment capital;
  • an effective and efficient transportation infrastructure; and,
  • a highly skilled, entrepreneurial and educated work force.

Job Creation and Economic Benefits
The aquaculture industry in Ontario produces important economic
benefits, $51 million in economic contributions and 229 full-time jobs,
for rural communities across Ontario while producing a healthy food
source. The industry is productive and entrepreneurial. It has also
demonstrated its ability to diversify local economies and provide stable
employment. The industry has even greater future economic potential
for Ontario as the province possesses considerable resources for
supporting controlled, carefully planned expansion.
"Environmentally Responsible, Environmentally Accountable"
13 Worthington Street
P.O.Box 124
Little Current, Ontario
Canada
705-368-1345    
705-368-0685 (fax)
Copyright © 2007 & 2008 Northern Ontario Aquaculture Association