Its chief markets are, in order of importance, the United States, Japan, Dominican Republic and France. Fishing has been the backbone of more than 150 New Brunswick coastal communities for generations. This tradition lives on today thanks to a strong, organized industry that continues to encourage the sustainable development of fishing through management that is sensitive to stock conservation issues. Its fleet of nearly 3,000 inshore, midshore, and offshore vessels employs almost 7,200 fishermen. With a few exceptions, the New Brunswick fleet is made up of vessels of less than a hundread feet in length.
Aquaculture is a rapidly growing industry in New Brunswick.
The other species raised are trout, oysters, and mussels. Development of alternative species such as halibut and haddock is also being planned.