Northern Ireland's coastal and freshwater resources are ideally suited to aquaculture production. The opportunity spans a wide range of species and culture techniques and includes the enhancement of existing fisheries, as well as the intensive production of fish and shellfish.

Northern Ireland has five main areas of marine aquaculture, these are Carlingford Lough, Strangford Lough, Belfast Lough, Larne Lough and Lough Foyle. These areas concentrate mainly on the cultivation of mussels and oysters. Along with these there is an important organic salmon farm at Glenarm which also has sea cages at Waterfoot.

The main shellfish produced and caught in Northern Ireland waters include mussels, oysters, clams, scallops and queenies. Cockles and winkles are also harvested in Strangford Lough.

As well as marine aquaculture, Northern Ireland also has a vibrant inland aquaculture industry that concentrates on Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout and Arctic Char.