Why Aquaculture?
Fact: the world population has exceeded 7 billion people and continues to grow. Fact: per capita demand for fish and seafood is increasing resulting in over-stressed oceans and freshwater bodies. Fact: the global demand for fish consumption is increasing by 7% to 9% annually. Where will sustainable sources of high quality protein be sourced in order to feed the growing global population if we do not turn to aquaculture as a viable alternative to wild fish harvest?
At NOAA we believe aquaculture is the solution to the growing worldwide seafood deficit and reduces the pressures on the capture fisheries to increase production. Over 50% of the fish and seafood consumed globally now comes from aquaculture. This presents an extraordinary opportunity for freshwater aquaculture and Northern Ontario. Aquaculture is a fast growing agri-food sector which allows sustainable economic growth, job creation, social well-being, and environmental protection (increased wild fishery stocks, healthy ecosystems). NOAA leads the Ontario aquaculture industry by working in partnerships with all government agencies to secure its success because we believe aquaculture is the solution!
Website Last Updated: May 2013
