Do aquaculture operations affect the environment?
Yes. However, the industry must meet rigorous federal, provincial and international environmental standards. These standards are based on the best available science to minimize and manage the risks associated with aquaculture and to continuously adapt and improve environmental standards and performance. Where science gaps exist, aquaculture development is regulated in the context of the precautionary approach. Aquaculture practices are scrutinized by government agencies, food retailers, environmental advocacy groups, and consumers. Strategic location of aquaculture operations, combined with various measures to mitigate effects, minimizes the environmental effect on the ocean floor. Aquaculture – particularly salmon farming – has come under criticism for not being a zero-risk industry. “Zero risk” does not exist. Humans rely on a number of everyday products such as automobiles, airplanes, lumber, and oil. Not one of the products is a result of an environmentally risk-free industry, yet
