The Manitoba Advantage in Fish Protein
Fish is a high-quality protein source available from commercial net fishing, recreational angling, aquaculture (fish farming), and Indigenous sustenance harvest. A growing global population is demanding healthy protein from sustainable sources, which has led to the rapid growth of aquaculture, the fastest-growing food production industry worldwide. Commercial net fisheries are increasingly working towards sustainable stock management, a component of becoming eco-certified.
The fish industry in Manitoba is well-positioned to provide unique, high-quality products to the freshwater fish market.
Manitoba’s Fish Industry
Aquaculture
Aquaculture in Manitoba is a sustainable protein industry that complements Manitoba’s commercial fishing, processing, and marketing. All aquaculture in Manitoba occurs in land-based facilities, and most use recirculating aquaculture systems. Aquaculture operators diversify fish protein in Manitoba by farming freshwater species, including rainbow trout (steelhead) and Arctic char.
- Many areas in Manitoba have affordable land and favourable groundwater, and access to hydroelectricity to support an aquaculture industry.
- In 2021, a total of 165,000 eggs of several fish species, including rainbow trout, Arctic char, brook trout, and coho salmon were imported.
- Ridgeland Aquafarm has invested over $2.5 million in a new fish production and processing facility, which became operational towards the end of 2019, increasing production capacity.
Commercial Net Fishing
Commercial net fishing in Manitoba has been practiced for over 150 years. Freshwater fish species which are targeted by commercial net fishers include walleye (pickerel), lake whitefish, sauger, goldeye, and northern pike.
- Manitoba’s commercial net fisheries produce approximately 10 million kilograms annually across all species.
- In December 2017, Manitoba’s commercial net fishery shifted to flexible fish marketing, creating opportunities for new entrants in the fish buying, selling, and processing industries.
Recreational Fishing
Manitoba has abundant freshwater resources and is home to many world-class recreational fishing opportunities. Recreational fishing is a source of protein for anglers who catch and retain fish. Unless exempt, anglers must obtain an angling license and follow all fishing regulations.
Producers
Market and Consumer Trends
A growing global population is demanding healthy protein from sustainable sources, which has led to the rapid growth of aquaculture, the fastest-growing food production industry worldwide.
Research
Manitoba hosted the Canadian Model Aqua-Farm Initiative, which helped to establish a profitable, turnkey commercial aquaculture operation that meets all regulatory requirements. The report can be found here. There have been efforts to prioritize fish and aquaculture research needs across Canada.
Contact
For more information about Manitoba’s fish and aquaculture sector or to get this information in an alternate format, email us at: agindustrydev@gov.mb.ca.