Today, about half of all our seafood comes from aquaculture. It is predicted that by 2030, that number will rise to 62%. As the human population grows and the world becomes more aware of the need to act more sustainably, what role does aquaculture play?

What is aquaculture?

Aquaculture is fish farming. It’s very similar to agriculture, but with fish instead of plants or livestock.

How does aquaculture work?

Aquaculture can be done in freshwater ponds and rivers, coastal ocean waters, or simply in tanks of water.

The methods of aquaculture can differ from species to species, but there are typically four stages: 

1. Fish are bred and eggs are hatched at a hatchery

2. Once the fish are mature enough, they are moved to a farm where they grow to harvest size using feed produced at feed mills 

3. The fish go to a processing facility where they are packaged

4. The packaged fish are sent to food retailers and grocery stores

Why is aquaculture important?

Our oceans are being overfished, and we need new sources of seafood to feed the planet’s growing population. Farming fish responsibly and sustainably is one way to provide healthy and environmentally friendly protein options. Aquaculture also has lower greenhouse gas emissions than other types of farming.

Aquaculture has the potential to improve the health of the planet, as well as human health. It is highly resource-efficient: it has the highest protein retention and the lowest feed conversion ratio compared to chicken, pork, and beef.

Where is aquaculture happening in Grey & Bruce counties?

There are a number of fish farms in our area: Blue Spring Trout Farms (Hanover), Camp Creek Trout Farm (south of Durham), Wilmer Trout Ponds (north of Durham), and Springhills Fish Farm. Springhills is a large Grey County operation with properties near Allan Park and Williamsford and is one of the biggest fully integrated trout farms in central Canada.

Most recently, there is a proposal by Georgian Bay Innovation Group to create a land-based recirculating aquaculture system near Colpoy’s Bay in Wiarton.