The global salmon farming industry produces 14.8 billion meals every year and creates 121,000 jobs in coastal communities around the world, says a new report. The International Salmon Farmers Association (ISFA) released the report in Boston during the Seafood Expo North America trade show and convention to mark ISFA’s 25th anniversary.

“This report celebrates a remarkable achievement. Since our industry began about 40 years ago, farmed salmon has become a staple of healthy, nutritious and affordable diets around the world, and our industry has become an economic driver and social mainstay of rural communities across the globe,” says Trond Davidsen, President of the International Salmon Farmers Association.
The report, entitled Salmon Farming: Sustaining Communities and Feeding the World, found that global salmon farmers produce 14.8 billion meals every year from only .00008 per cent of the world’s oceans. The report also shows the global salmon farming industry produces US$10 billion worth of salmon each year, creates 121,000 direct and indirect jobs around the world and stimulates thousands more spin-off jobs and economic growth in a wide variety of other sectors.

“Salmon farming is one of the most efficient protein producers in the world,” says Mr. Davidsen. “With land and fresh water resources shrinking, the global salmon farming industry represents one of the best ways to feed the world’s growing population with a minimal environmental footprint.”

The report outlines some key statistics about the planet’s growing population, and the need to find innovative ways to feed the world. It also includes overviews of the industry for every country where salmon is farmed, as well as examples of coastal communities that have been revitalized through salmon aquaculture.

Read the full report “Salmon Farming: Sustaining Communities and Feeding the World” (PDF)