OTTAWA, ON: Canada’s commitment to developing a Blue Economy strategy means many things: it’s an opportunity to revitalize our rural and coastal communities; to enhance our dedication to sustainability, research and science; and to capture the potential of the world’s longest coastline and unmatched freshwater resources. But it also creates opportunities for real Canadians working in the seafood industry, so we asked them: “What does the Blue Economy mean to you?”

The Fisheries Council of Canada and the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance have created a video series to highlight the benefits of the Blue Economy from 10 Canadian voices from the seafood industry. The series showcases how Canadians hope the Blue Economy can grow communities, improve sustainability and create long-term economic stability.

“Capturing Canada’s seafood opportunity through the Blue Economy has significant benefits for the 90,000 Canadians working in the seafood industry, including youth and Indigenous communities,” said Paul Lansbergen, President, FCC. “But more than that, it will also act as a driver for a ripple effect of change as Canada reclaims its heritage as a water nation.”

FCC and CAIA have created a vision and action plan, Canada’s Blue Economy Strategy 2040, to position Canada as a global top three best producer of sustainable seafood by 2040. This plan will capture Canada’s seafood opportunity through the Blue Economy and help realize the dreams presented in the video series.

“Creating a sustainable, ocean-driven economy is possible,” said Timothy Kennedy, President & CEO, CAIA, “and it starts with the Canadian seafood industry.”

Learn more about Canada’s seafood opportunity and watch the video series at seafoodopportunity.ca.

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The Fisheries Council of Canada (FCC) is the voice of Canada’s wild capture fish and seafood industry, promoting a healthy resource and prosperous industry playing a vital role in the Canadian economy. Our members include small, medium and larger-sized companies along with Indigenous enterprises that harvest and process fish from Canada's three oceans.

Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) is the national association that speaks for Canada’s seafood farmers, representing their interests in Ottawa and internationally. CAIA members generate over $5.2 billion in economic activity, $2.1 billion in GDP, and employ over 21,300 Canadians delivering a healthy, growing and sustainable seafood farming sector in Canada.

For more information or to set up an interview please contact:

Kelly McCarthy, Manager, Communications, FCC: kmccarthy@fisheriescouncil.org

Sheri Beaulieu, Marketing & Communications Manager, CAIA: sheri.beaulieu@aquaculture.ca