The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) is a non-profit industry association representing the interests of Atlantic Canada’s finfish aquaculture sector. Headquartered in Letang, New Brunswick, the ACFFA serves as the collective voice for fish farmers, aquaculture suppliers, feed companies, and research institutions across the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.
Founded in 2001, ACFFA has played a vital role in promoting sustainable aquaculture practices, advancing research and innovation, educating the public, and influencing policy to support the responsible growth of the aquaculture industry in Atlantic Canada.
Core Business
ACFFA functions as a comprehensive industry support organization with mandates in:
- Advocacy and Government Relations
- Research Coordination and Innovation Support
- Public Education and Industry Promotion
- Member Services and Professional Development
- Environmental Stewardship and Regulatory Compliance Guidance
The association acts as a liaison between industry members, regulators, academia, and the public, ensuring transparent communication and shared progress in sustainable seafood production.
Product & Service Offerings
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Advocacy for Sustainable Aquaculture Practices
- Policy engagement with provincial and federal governments
- Industry position papers and consultation submissions
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Industry Research and Innovation Support
- Partnership facilitation with universities and innovation centers
- Coordination of applied research projects in fish health, nutrition, and technology
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Member Services and Networking
- Industry events, seminars, and workshops
- Access to technical resources, industry data, and regulatory updates
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Public Education
- School outreach programs
- Media relations and public tours of aquaculture sites
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Regulatory Support
- Guidance on meeting Canadian aquaculture regulations
- Best practice dissemination and environmental compliance assistance
Specialization and USP
ACFFA is uniquely positioned as the only regional association in Canada solely focused on finfish aquaculture. The association’s key differentiators include:
- Deep integration with scientific research institutions, including Université de Moncton, Dalhousie University, and the Huntsman Marine Science Centre
- Strategic relationships with government regulators, including Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
- Representation of over 95% of the salmon farming volume in Atlantic Canada
- Access to real-time data on aquaculture trends, sustainability metrics, and regulatory changes
Through its collaborative platform, ACFFA supports innovation while advocating for evidence-based regulations that balance environmental, economic, and social goals.
Industry Impact & Metrics
- Production Volume: Atlantic Canada produced over 120,000 metric tonnes of farmed salmon in 2022, contributing more than CAD $2 billion annually to the regional economy
- Employment: The aquaculture sector supports over 8,000 direct and indirect jobs in rural coastal communities, with many members represented through ACFFA
- Exports: Farmed salmon from ACFFA member companies are exported to more than 20 countries, including the U.S., China, and EU markets
- Sustainability: Over 85% of ACFFA member production is certified under third-party eco-labels such as BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices) and ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council)
Target Audience
- Fish farming companies operating in Atlantic Canada
- Feed and equipment suppliers to the aquaculture industry
- Academic and research institutions
- Government regulators and policy makers
- Environmental NGOs and sustainability certifiers
- General public and school systems seeking aquaculture education
Capabilities
- Centralized communication hub for industry developments and alerts
- Coordination of industry responses to regulatory and environmental issues
- Digital and print publication of industry resources, including newsletters, annual reports, and technical manuals
- Hosting of conferences and roundtables to shape regional aquaculture policy
Certifications & Compliance Support
While ACFFA itself is not a certifying body, it supports member compliance and certification through:
- Guidance and workshops on ASC, BAP, and ISO standards
- Updates on CFIA and DFO compliance protocols
- Environmental monitoring support and third-party data interpretation
The association is instrumental in helping members maintain best-in-class operational standards and in aligning the regional industry with global sustainability goals.
Educational & Media Initiatives
- YouTube Educational Videos: Covering topics such as sustainable salmon farming, fish welfare, and community engagement
- Public Brochures: Distributed in schools and tourism centers to promote understanding of local aquaculture
- Social Media Engagement: Active presence on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to share facts, correct misinformation, and highlight success stories
Achievements
- Instrumental in securing regulatory frameworks that allow for innovation in aquaculture technologies, such as closed containment trials and integrated pest management systems
- Facilitated millions of dollars in research funding through partnerships with Ocean Supercluster and provincial R&D grants
- Launched one of the first Aquaculture Ambassador Programs for high school students in Canada
- Successfully defended the industry against misinformation during key public policy debates, reinforcing transparency and science-based decision-making
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association continues to be a cornerstone of the region’s aquaculture sector, fostering growth that is economically robust, environmentally responsible, and socially accountable. Through its leadership and advocacy, ACFFA helps ensure that Atlantic Canada remains a global leader in sustainable seafood production.