Asia’s appetite for BC seafood growing

This Week in BC Seafood: Expanding Markets and Growing Recognition

In the remote waters of Kyuquot Sound, northwest of Vancouver Island, sablefish—long treasured as a Japanese delicacy—is carefully raised in deep, cold-water pens. After approximately 36 months, these premium fish, also known as black cod, are harvested using traditional Japanese techniques that preserve their quality, ensuring they arrive as sashimi-grade delicacies across the Pacific.

Further up the coast, off Campbell River, BC salmon farmers are struggling to keep up with soaring demand for their sustainably farmed, world-renowned seafood. Along the same coastline, in the Baynes, Desolation, and Okeover Sounds, shellfish farmers have spent more than 30 years cultivating oysters, clams, and mussels in nutrient-rich waters—products now celebrated globally for their taste and quality.

While British Columbians have long enjoyed the bounty of their coastal waters, Asia is now rapidly catching on. This week, dozens of buyers, chefs, and seafood enthusiasts from around the world will gather at the BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival in the Comox Valley. Their mission: to experience, sample, and secure premium BC aquaculture products.

BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival: A Global Spotlight

A key component of the festival is the trade expo, which brings together leading aquaculture businesses, suppliers, seafood producers, chefs, exporters, and educators. Together, they will discuss industry innovations, market opportunities, and challenges in the Pacific Northwest seafood sector.

“The BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival and BC Seafood Expo attract immense interest from international media and seafood buyers alike,” said John Watson, executive director of the Comox Valley Economic Development and Tourism agency.

“This year, delegations from Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines, the USA, China, Vietnam, and India will be in attendance.”

Jeremy Dunn, executive director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association, noted the event’s growing impact: “Over the past two years, we’ve partnered with BC salmon and shellfish farmers to host 40 seafood buyers annually, the majority from key Asian markets.”

This focused effort has led to exponential growth in BC seafood exports. Salmon exports to Asia alone have quadrupled in volume, surging from under $10 million to nearly $40 million in value.

BC Leads in Sustainable Certification

B.C. is at the forefront of sustainable aquaculture, with 15% of its Atlantic salmon farms certified under the stringent Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) standards—higher than any other region worldwide. This commitment to responsible farming was recently reinforced when Seafood Watch, part of the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, upgraded ASC-certified farmed salmon to a ‘Good Alternative’ status, adding it to their list of recommended seafood choices.

Asia’s Appetite for BC Seafood Continues to Grow

Japan, Korea, and China have long been key buyers of BC seafood, but India is emerging as an eager new market. South Asian consumers face higher rates of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes—conditions that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in salmon, may help mitigate.

“India has an incredible coastal cuisine, and salmon is gaining popularity due to its flavor and health benefits,” said Chindi Varadarajulu, an acclaimed chef flown in to showcase her signature Indian fish curry at the festival. “I hope to see more BC salmon and shellfish available in India.”

Sustainability: A Driving Force for Future Growth

The growing demand for farmed seafood aligns with international concerns about wild fish stock depletion. According to United Nations assessments, nearly one-third of the world’s fish populations are being overfished at unsustainable levels. Meanwhile, Asia’s appetite for seafood continues to drive global demand. A UN Food and Agriculture Organization report found that in 2013, Asian consumers ate 99 million tons of fish—accounting for 70% of all seafood available for human consumption.

BC Seafood by the Numbers

• In 2015, B.C. produced over $40 million worth of farmed oysters, nearly $11 million in farmed clams, and $5.5 million in mussels and other shellfish.
• In 2016, global sales of BC farm-raised salmon hit a record $745 million CAD, with exports to 12 international markets totaling over $544 million.
• Exports of BC farmed salmon to Asia surged 40% compared to 2015, exceeding 4.7 million kilograms of fresh salmon shipped. China and Japan remain the top Asian markets, with South Korea emerging as a major growth area.
• Canadian farm-raised salmon exports exceeded $950 million, while total Canadian aquaculture exports surpassed $1 billion.
• B.C. accounts for 58% of all Canadian farmed salmon exports. The industry has a $1.1 billion economic impact in the province and supports over 5,000 jobs.
• Salmon farmers are closely collaborating with Indigenous communities, with 20 social and economic agreements in place. 78% of BC’s farmed salmon comes from farms operating under First Nation partnerships.

A Future Anchored in Innovation

As global demand for sustainable seafood grows, BC’s aquaculture industry is well-positioned to lead. With a steadfast commitment to responsible farming, international partnerships, and premium-quality products, the province’s seafood sector is set to thrive in the years ahead—one farmed oyster, clam, mussel, and salmon at a time.