Introduction:  Challenge and Opportunity

Aquaculture is the fastest growing sector of US agriculture, and for good reason. Aquaculture’s phenomenal growth and bright prospects can be attributed to an increasing demand for consistent, high-quality wholesome products by American consumers. Additional aquaculture demand is created because many wild stocks have been diminished by over fishing or environmental changes. The challenge for aquaculture is to continue to deliver high quality product while maintaining profitability and environmental compatibility.

Many different kinds of aquatic animals and plants are raised commercially in the US and more are being tested for production potential. This is important because Americans are given medical advice to eat more fish yet are faced with a static base of mostly imported expensive products. In the US, aquaculture is often thought of as a single industry but it is important to realize the industry contains a variety of species each with unique production requirements, challenges and varying potential to impact the environment. Our land based animal industry is composed of a variety of species (e.g., poultry, cattle and sheep) that share a common production feature, that being land. The aquaculture industry with its variety of species shares a common feature as well, water. Aquaculture, depending upon the type of plant or animal reared, uses either fresh, brackish or salt water.

The largest and most prominent aquaculture sectors in the US (listed according to pounds raised) are catfish, oysters, trout, crawfish, salmon, clams, tilapia, striped bass, baitfish, and ornamental fishes. Each of these industry sectors have developed over the past 30 to 50 years and, with the exception of baitfish and ornamentals, are generally directed at production for human consumption. The catfish sector is by far the largest with total production exceeding 500 million pounds per year. The trout sector produces fish for human consumption and for stocking public waters for recreational uses. Approximately 25% of trout raised in the US are destined for fee fishing lakes as a source of recreation.

Aquaculture is used with varying success to conserve endangered fish populations or enhance over-fished populations. Federal and state agencies also produce a variety of fish, using aquaculture techniques, for stocking in public waters. Aquaculture is one of the most viable methods of supplying a growing world and US populations food needs. More recently developed commercial species include hybrid striped bass, marine shrimp and sturgeon. Considerable research is being directed at production of other species such as yellow perch, walleye, sea urchins, abalone, flounder and cod to name a few. Each of these specie specific sectors is successful or has the potential to succeed because of American consumer demand. In short, American consumers enjoy eating fishery products, whether caught or bought.

While US aquaculture continues to grow, it is also challenged by ever increasing competition for resources, a burgeoning population, continued urbanization, competition from foreign products not subject to US regulations, and a wealth of misinformation. Legitimate concerns about aquaculture’s environmental impact are sometimes raised, just as there are with all other types of human or domesticated animal impacts. Concerns raised must be founded on fact and credible analysis as credibility is dependent upon facts. The recently released Environmental Defense Fund “Murky Waters” report contains unsubstantiated innuendo, extrapolates from isolated incidents in the US or from outside the US and contains erroneous information. Unfortunately, use of innuendo, misinformation or uninformed emotional arguments by advocacy groups leads to polarization, lack of progress, and diversion of resources away from more significant issues.

US aquaculture is not, in most cases, the same as aquaculture in other parts of the world. Aquaculture in the US is under close scrutiny from regulatory agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and numerous state environmental agencies. There is also an unprecedented societal environmental awareness and activism. As our knowledge about ecosystems and watershed management improves, appropriate action by all parties can be taken to ensure sustainability. For example, it is now recognized that to protect the integrity of our water resources, a watershed approach is necessary. If the control focus is on just one element, public policies may be developed that aggravate watershed problems rather than contribute to restoration or sustainability.

Aquaculture practices of the past, both in the US and in many places throughout the world, have changed and are continuing to improve. Production practices are most often determined by the availability of natural resources and various social and economic constraints. As our knowledge about production efficiency has increased, environmental stewardship has ensued. The best actions have often been voluntary. The current regulatory system helps ensure US aquaculture continues to be compatible with state and federal water quality requirements and is compatible with watershed management plans. Before any new regulations are instituted it is essential that existing environmental requirements be applied. Aquaculture has been responsive to societal needs and continually develops and applies credible, scientifically sound information throughout the public and commercial domain. With this information, aquaculture can continue to prosper, remain compatible with the environment and benefit the American public.