• The event is organized by NAIA and the Aquaculture Association of Canada
• More than 75 speakers and over 40 trade show exhibitors participated
The Newfoundland and Labrador Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) organized the new edition of the Cold Harvest and Aquaculture Canada 2026 Conference and Trade Show, officially opened in St. John’s lasts September 15. This year’s event marks NAIA’s 40th anniversary and coincides with Aquaculture Week, formally declared by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The event has been held at the Jag Hotel from September 15 to 17.
Cold Harvest is Canada’s largest cold-water aquaculture conference, co-hosted with the Aquaculture Association of Canada (AAC). More than 75 speakers and over 40 trade show exhibitors have participated, with delegates attending from across Canada and internationally. The program featured a wide range of technical and sector-focused sessions covering aquatic animal health, environmental science, innovation, workforce development, and emerging technologies.
Scott Ross, a national leader in agriculture policy and innovation, delivered the conference keynote address on the launch of the new edition. His remarks explore the connections between agriculture, aquaculture, and sustainable food production across Canada. Federal Fisheries Minister, Joanne Thompson, also attended the opening reception as the Provincial Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister, Loyola O’Driscoll.
At the opening reception of the Cold Harvest & Aquaculture Canada Conference & Trade Show 2026 in Newfoundland and Labrador everybody could see Thompson with young employees and students “helping shape the future of the province’s aquaculture sector,” said the organization. “The next generation is bringing energy, ideas and expertise to an industry that supports communities and contributes to Canada’s food system.”
Where the Aquaculture Community Comes Together
NAIA Executive Director Bradley George highlighted the importance of hosting the conference in Newfoundland and Labrador, stating “Cold Harvest has always been a place where the aquaculture community comes together to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and showcase the innovation that drives our sector forward. We’re proud to welcome AAC and delegates from across the country and beyond to St. John’s this September.”
For his part, Cyr Couturier, President of AAC, said: “The Aquaculture Association of Canada is extremely pleased to once again be co-hosting the premier national seafood farming conference and trade show in Canada, in partnership with NAIA,” while adding “we have a fantastic lineup of panelists and sessions on almost every aspect of seafood farming.”
The joint Cold Harvest / Aquaculture Canada program featured technical sessions, keynote speakers, panels, and a large trade show representing the full value chain of aquaculture. Hundreds of delegates from Canada, the United States, Europe, South America, and other regions attended. Those wishing to register can visit www.naia.ca.
Two Associations to One Goal
Newfoundland and Labrador Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) is a member-based organization that represents the interests of seafood farmers and their suppliers in Newfoundland and Labrador. The organization advocates on behalf of the aquaculture sector and works with producers, suppliers, governments, and communities to advance sustainable aquaculture development and promote the economic and social value of aquaculture across the province.
On the other hand, the Aquaculture Association of Canada (AAC) was established in 1984 with a mandate to foster the development of the Canadian aquaculture sector. Since 1985, it has delivered the national Aquaculture Canada conference and trade show in partnership with provincial or regional associations. The event brings industry, academia, and government stakeholders together to review innovations, science, and technology in Canadian aquaculture. Proceedings from the first 30 conferences are available free to the public at www.aquacultureassociation.ca.
