Balancing Conservation and Sustainable Aquaculture of the Atlantic Halibut

September 26, 2024
Land under development, Victoria, PEI

The Atlantic Halibut is a species of concern due to its slow growth rate, late maturation, and historical overfishing. In Canada, this has led to the species being red listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The wild Atlantic Halibut population has faced significant declines, largely due to the species’ inability to rebound quickly from intense fishing pressures.

This classification means that wild Atlantic Halibut populations are carefully monitored, and strict regulations are in place to manage commercial fishing efforts. However, while the species faces challenges in the wild, sustainable alternatives are emerging and the aquaculture industry is contributing to this effort.

Land-based aquaculture

Amar Seafood, with our land-based aquaculture facilities in Canada, are playing a role in the conservation through sustainable farming of Atlantic Halibut. By breeding Atlantic Halibut in a controlled, land-based environment, we are contributing to reduce the pressure on wild stocks. Our land-based operations are not only more sustainable but also allow for careful monitoring of water quality, fish health, and environmental impact, this ensures that our operations contribute to lessening  the burden on wild Halibut populations and minimizing overfishing.

By leveraging land-based aquaculture, we are a part of a broader movement to ensure that the demand for Atlantic Halibut is met through sustainable farming practices. This reduces the need for wild-caught Halibut, giving wild populations a better chance to recover while maintaining a steady supply of this prized fish for global markets.

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