With its four provinces representing 40,000 kilometres of coastline, Atlantic Canada accounts for the vast majority of Canada’s rich variety of harvested and processed groundfish, shellfish, and pelagic products exported worldwide. In addition, the region’s ideal coastal environment has spawned an quaculture industry specializing in a wide range of species with products shipped to global markets.
The seafood industry in Atlantic Canada is recognized internationally for its quality, leadership and innovation. Here you will find the world’s leading producer of canned sardines, the world’s largest exporter of fresh, live lobster, and an industry known for its innovations such as new packaging techniques that can extend the shelf life of fresh seafood products for up to 10 days.
In addition to innovation, the industry is placing greater emphasis on value-added products such as hors d’oeuvres, pâtés and frozen fish entrées. This trend is generating significant economic benefits and activities within the seafood industry. As a result, Atlantic Canada’s seafood exports amounted to approximately $3 billion, or 69% of the Canadian total, in 2005.
For additional information on the Seafood Industry in Atlantic Canada, please view the full information sheet, or contact us directly.