Activities dependent on the ocean make a substantial contribution to the Canadian economy. Fisheries and naval installations provided the rationale for the first European settlement. Fish processing, shipbuilding and marine transportation followed, providing the basis for economic development and growth on all three of Canada's coasts. These ocean activities defined settlement patterns that continue to this day.
New marine economic activities emerged over the years including tourism, aquaculture, bio-technologies, specialized manufacturing and offshore oil and gas exploration and development. A wide range of service industries support these activities. Together, they create opportunities as well as challenges borne of increased and oftentimes competing uses of ocean space.
The tables presented here provide estimates of the economic contribution of marine sectors in Canada for the years 2014 to 2018. These estimates cover all major private sector activities with a direct dependence on the oceans (extractive and non-extractive uses) as well as activities of public sector organizations with responsibilities for safety, managing ocean activities and research.