Canadian aquaculture puts thousands of Canadians to work in rural and coastal communities and relieves the strain on global fish stocks. Canada can be a world leader, creating new jobs and attracting vital investment in this sustainable industry, but we need a plan to support Canadian aquaculture.

We need a federal Aquaculture Act.

Without aquaculture, the world will face a seafood shortage of 50-80 million tonnes by 2030. This shortage will have very real consequences for all of us. Seafood prices will skyrocket. And reduced seafood availability will likely compromise the health of ordinary Canadians.

This challenge should be an invitation for Canada to step up and become a global leader in an increasingly vital food industry. Canada can be one of the world’s top aquaculture producing nations, but it won’t happen without a plan. Every other successful aquaculture producing nation in the world has legislation in place to support and enable their industries. The time has come for a Canadian Aquaculture Act to do the same here at home.

For far too long, Canadian aquaculture has been subject to overlapping and often conflicting jurisdiction—currently the industry is governed by 73 pieces of legislation.

A federal Aquaculture Act would build on the common sense regulatory changes coming forward from the department of Fisheries and Oceans and would enable Canada to realize its full potential, creating new jobs and expanding opportunity.

This Act would recognize in law the long-standing reality of aquaculture as a legitimate caretaker of Canada’s aquatic resources. It would support efforts to ensure a modern industry and build on an already impressive record of safety and sustainability.

Realizing aquaculture’s potential will revitalize communities like ours. An Aquaculture Act would provide the certainty necessary to unleash new investment and create 47,000 new jobs in an industry that is socially, economically and environmentally sustainable.

A vibrant aquaculture sector will provide vital relief in areas where traditional economies have been shrinking and government has had to step in to support displaced workers.

For Canada to become a global leader, the way forward is clear. We need a federal Aquaculture Act that enables Canada’s industry, builds on the strengths of upcoming common sense regulatory changes and which enables producers to create jobs.

[Your Name]
[City, Province]