Why are Atlantic salmon farmed in B.C.?
The choice of which species, strain and stock of fish to raise is a business decision made by each aquaculture company. For a number of reasons, Atlantic salmon is more commonly farmed than the Pacific species. The following factors play into this choice: • Atlantic salmon often have better growth and survival rates on the farm than Pacific salmon. • Atlantic salmon are more easily cultured or docile than Pacific species. • There is a strong international market demand for Atlantic salmon. • Processors find that Atlantic salmon provide more meat and create less waste per fish. In addition to Atlantic salmon, Pacific salmon species like Chinook and Coho are also raised in British Columbia. The Pacific species currently account for approximately 15 per cent of British Columbia production. Only Atlantic salmon is raised in Atlantic Canada.
