2016: British Columbia Seafood at a glance

Seafood at a Glance: British Columbia 2016

British Columbia’s seafood sector continues to play a vital role in the province’s economy, blending the bounty of commercial fishing with the innovation of aquaculture. While seafood excludes post-vessel and post-farm processing, the contributions of this sector ripple through the province’s economy, environment, and communities.

In 2016, B.C. solidified its place as a global leader in seafood production, combining innovation and tradition to meet growing demand. The province’s sector supports not only the economy but also the livelihoods of thousands of individuals and families, from fishers and farmers to exporters and retailers. With over 100 species harvested, B.C.’s seafood reflects the region’s rich biodiversity, offering a diverse array of products that cater to both local and international markets. The surge in farm-gate value, despite a slight decline in aquaculture harvest volumes, underscores the sector’s ability to deliver premium-quality seafood while embracing sustainable practices.

Highlights of 2016:

• Sales: Total sales reached $1.2 billion, a 31.2% increase from 2015.
• Harvest: 291,600 tonnes of seafood were harvested across wild and farmed production.
• GDP Contribution: Seafood contributed $415 million to B.C.’s GDP, or 0.2% of the provincial total.
• Exports: Seafood exports hit $1.3 billion, showcasing B.C.’s global reputation for quality.
• Wild Fisheries:
  • 2,400 vessels harvested 188,000 tonnes of wild fish, shellfish, and marine plants, a 22.2% increase from 2015.
  • Landed value rose 2.3% to $392.8 million.
• Aquaculture:
  • 683 aquaculture operations produced 103,600 tonnes of farmed fish, shellfish, and marine plants.
  • Despite a 1.5% drop in harvest volume, farm-gate value surged 52.9% to $776.8 million.
• Top Commodities: Farmed Atlantic salmon, halibut, crabs, geoduck clams, and wild chum salmon led the list of over 100 species harvested in B.C.

British Columbia remains one of the largest producers of farmed Atlantic salmon globally and leads Canada in sales of several key species, including halibut, rockfish, and oysters.

In 2016, the sector’s growth highlighted its resilience, adaptability, and importance as a cornerstone of B.C.’s economy. From ocean to table, the province continues to set the standard for quality and sustainability in seafood production.