Farming the Sea, a False Solution to a Real Problem: Critical Reflections on Canada's Aquaculture Regulations

36 Pages Posted: 13 Sep 2018 Last revised: 5 Mar 2019

See all articles by Angela Lee

Angela Lee

Ryerson University, Lincoln Alexander School of Law

Pierre Cloutier de Repentigny

Carleton University

Date Written: August 22, 2018

Abstract

Given the dismal state of world fisheries and their continuing decline — exacerbated by climate change — aquaculture is touted by some to be a promising means for fulfilling the growing global demand for seafood, as reflected in its rapid growth as a segment of the global food system. However, large-scale aquaculture presents a complex set of environmental and social issues, and the introduction of genetically engineered fish and seafood add a further layer of complexity to the already contentious nature of conventional aquaculture practices.

This article is a critical analysis of aquaculture regulation in Canada. In addition to setting out some of the major issues posed by industrialized aquaculture, it argues that shifting the “production” of seafood from marine fisheries to aquaculture merely shifts the cause of environmental damages. Further, in the context of food security, large-scale aquaculture is an inadequate and oversimplified solution to the problems raised by coastal and Indigenous populations’ reliance on declining fisheries resources. Specifically, using two case studies, this paper criticizes the overreliance within the current system on dominant risk paradigms, which are often closely informed by science. Yet, the relationship between law and science is fraught with tensions, as the two have notably different priorities and methods. In rethinking the role of aquaculture in natural marine resource management, especially in a changing climate, it is important to ensure that careful regard is given to the socio-cultural factors, inequities, and environmental degradation that are inherent in the production of seafood.

Suggested Citation

Lee, Angela and Cloutier de Repentigny, Pierre, Farming the Sea, a False Solution to a Real Problem: Critical Reflections on Canada's Aquaculture Regulations (August 22, 2018). Ottawa Law Review, Vol. 50, No. 1, 2018, Ottawa Faculty of Law Working Paper No. 2018-23, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3240681

Angela Lee (Contact Author)

Ryerson University, Lincoln Alexander School of Law ( email )

350 Victoria St
Toronto, ON M5B 2K3
Canada

Pierre Cloutier de Repentigny

Carleton University ( email )

1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6
Canada

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