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1. What is aquaculture? Aquaculture is growing plants or animals in salt, fresh or brackish
water (a combination of salt and fresh water). The word "mariculture"
is often used to describe the culture of plants or animals in brackish
or salt water. Open ocean aquaculture is growing marine species in the
ocean at now-sheltered sites exposed to ocean waves and currents. 2. How long has aquaculture been practiced in Hawaii? Fish farming may well have been practiced by the first Polynesian
settlers of the Hawaiian Islands more than 1,000 years ago. At the time
of Captain Cook's arrival in 1776, there were estimated to be more than
400 coastal fishponds scattered throughout the Islands. By virtue of
this heritage, Hawaii has the oldest tradition of aquaculture in the
United States. 3. How did the ancient Hawaiians practice aquaculture? The fish farmers of old Hawaii raised fish and crabs in coastal,
stone ponds constructed so they directly connected to the sea. Usually,
the seafood harvested from these fish ponds was reserved for royalty or
"alii." Feeding of fish occurred and water quality was managed using
movable gates in the pond walls that allow tidal exchange. 4. When did modern aquaculture in Hawaii begin? Modern aquaculture in Hawaii began in the early 1960's with research
on the potential of oyster culture and mullet farming, and studies of
mass-hatching techniques for freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium
rosenbergii) imported from Malaysia. 5. What is the size of Hawaii's aquaculture industry? There were currently more than 100 aquafarms in the state. In 2003,
they produced products with a farm-gate value of $27.7 million.
Research, training, and technology transfer activities added an
estimated $10 million, for a total industry value of about $38
million. 6. What species of plants and animals are being raised? Aquaculture production is generally divided into four product
groups, with a total of over 30 aquatic plant and animal species are
being raised for research or commercial production. Product groups
include: Shellfish (marine shrimp, freshwater prawns and abalone);
Finfish (Pacific threadfin or moi, tilapia, catfish, carp, flounder,
sturgeon, amberjack, snappers, and grouper); Algae (seaweeds and
microalgae) and "Other" (non-food products such broodstock shrimp,
oysters and clams seed, pearl oysters and a variety of freshwater and
marine aquarium fish and invertebrates). 7. Which species group is the largest in terms of total state production? Algae has the highest production value of all product groups,
followed by Shellfish, "Other" and Finfish. The microalgae, Spirulina
(sold as a health food), and the popular seaweed, ogo or Gracilaria
(sold as a sea vegetable), totaled $11.7 million. The value of finfish
production is projected to increase sharply in the coming years due to
the expansion of large-scale offshore cage culture. 8. Where are Hawaii's aquaculture farms located? There are commercial farms located on Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Molokai and
the Island of Hawaii. Many farms are located on the windward coasts of
these islands where fresh water is readily available from streams and
ground water. The sunny leeward coasts are favored by growers producing
seaweed and other saltwater species. More recently, farms can be
located in State marine waters (within 3 miles of shore) using the
newly amended ocean leasing law. 9. What types of systems do these farms use to grow plants and animals. Aquaculture species are being raised in many different ways,
utilizing a variety of technologies. For example, Hawaii farmers use
small-scale earthen ponds, tank systems, and large scale "high-tech"
concrete raceway systems, as well as various intermediate systems and
technologies. At the State Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii
Authority in Kona, Hawaii, deep, cold ocean water is pumped onshore to
raise such coldwater species as Japanese founder, Pacific oyster, Maine
lobster, and abalone. Several pioneering farmers are using
state-of-the-art cage culture technology to farm the open ocean. 10. Is there a demand for Hawaii's aquacultured products? Yes, and demand is strong. This is in large part due to the high
consumption of seafood in the Islands - over 50 million pounds annually
- by residents and tourists alike and the necessity to import 70% of
the products consumed. The top local chefs like to emphasize use of
fresh, local products in their cooking. Certain of our most abundant
products are being exported to the U.S. Mainland, Japan, and
Europe. 11. Where in Hawaii are aquaculture products sold? Aquacultured seafood is sold through both direct and wholesale
marketing channels. Sales take place at small "Mom and Pop" stores and
supermarkets, through a variety of ethnic and "white tablecloth"
restaurants, at neighborhood "open" markets, and at farms utilizing
roadside stands. Larger farms can export directly or utilize one of the
many fish wholesalers available. 12. How does aquaculture benefit the people of Hawaii? Benefits from aquaculture development include: creation of high wage
job opportunities in rural areas on all islands that need employment;
generation of export earnings and additional tax revenues; preservation
and creation of scenic vistas (which complements the tourist industry);
continuation of an important Hawaiian tradition of sustainable food
production and island self sufficiency; and creation of opportunities
for consumers to enjoy a greater variety of fresh, wholesome seafood
products. 13. How much money is required to get started in aquaculture? The amount of money you will need depends on the scale and type of
production desired. A "backyard" project may cost a few hundred dollars
to construct if you have a site. A large-scale, semi-intensive or
intensive production farm of 50 to 100 acres could easily cost several
million dollars to construct. 14. Do I need much land for aquaculture? You may not need a large parcel of land. Hundreds of pounds of fish
can be raised in your residential backyard for family consumption. A
profitable commercial farm, however, may require 5 to 10 or more acres
to have a viable economic unit, depending on the type of culture
technology being used and the species grown. 15. Land in Hawaii is expensive. Can I afford a site? More aquafarmers have found that they can avoid substantial start-up
costs by securing long term (15-30 years) leases for land. Lease rents
for agriculture land in both the public and private sector average $200
to $500 per acre per year, with lower rates usually available on the
Neighbor Islands. Often landlords will require a percentage of your
gross sales, such as 1% to 5% or a flat fee whichever is greater.
Negotiation is encouraged. 16. Where can I obtain financing for an aquaculture farm? The State Department of Agriculture has low-interest loans for
commercial aquaculture, if you meet certain qualifications. Other
funding sources include commercial banks, the Production Credit
Association, the USDA Rural Development Agency, and the Small Business
Administration. Hawaii is also rapidly developing a pool of angle
investors and venture capitalists that is increasingly interested in
high technology aquaculture projects and a new State law provides
generous tax incentives for these technology investments. 17. Will I need a permit to get started in aquaculture? Yes, permits of various kinds will be needed, for example,
construction, digging a well, grading, etc. There are generally more
land use and environmental permits required for projects near the ocean
(along the coast), than operations located away from coastal areas. The
State also offers the opportunity to be permitted to conduct offshore
aquaculture in State marine waters. You may also need a permit to
import non-native species into the state or to transfer a non-native
species interisland. A special permit is needed to work with native
species that are regulated by fisheries laws. Assistance is available
from ADP to sort out the permit process. 18. How many people are employed in aquaculture in Hawaii? At the end of 2003, there were about 942 people employed part-time
or full-time in commercial aquaculture and in the research, training
and technology transfer sector of the industry. Many of these jobs are
in rural areas of the State, that need economic development. 19. What kinds of jobs are available in aquaculture? Some examples of aquaculture jobs include farm manager, production
manager, laboratory technician, harvest superintendent, hatchery
technician, marketing manager, research technician, consultant or
extension agent. 20. What background should I have for a job in aquaculture? In general, many employers like to see "hands-on" farming
experience, together with formal course work at a college or university
in such areas as agriculture, aquaculture, marine biology, zoology,
fisheries biology, and oceanography. A background in business can also
be particularly helpful. Other employers prefer an employee who has a
strong interest and work ethic, who is willing to learn. Many workers
in the Hawaii industry have come from public or private research
institutions. 21. Where in Hawaii can I study aquaculture? Both the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Hilo on the Island of
Hawaii have aquaculture courses and related degrees, in particular
UH Hilo offers an undergraduate degree in aquaculture.
Hawaii Pacific University is starting an aquaculture degree program
through its affiliation with the Oceanic Institute. Honolulu and
Windward Community Colleges on Oahu both occasionally offer "hands-on"
instruction in small-scale and backyard aquaculture. Many high schools
also have beginning aquaculture instruction through their science or
vocational agriculture curriculum. 22. Where can I obtain more information about getting started in aquaculture? The Aquaculture Development Program (ADP) of the State Department of
Agriculture has a wide variety of informational materials and services
designed to help you learn more about Hawaii aquaculture industry. The
University of Hawaii Sea Grant extension agents, co-funded by ADP, are
available on Oahu and the Neighbor Islands for consultation and to
provide farm start-up information and technical assistance. 23. How can the Aquaculture Development Program help me? ADP's services include providing information on species and site
opportunities, assisting with permits, assessing farm sites,
identifying sources of financing, and advising on marketing and
business development. The ADP office is located downtown Honolulu at
1177 Alakea Street, Room 400, Honolulu, HI 96813, Telephone: (808)
587-0030. Fax (808) 587-0033. E-mail: info@hawaiiaquaculture.org. 24. Is there any type of "how-to" book or manual available to help me get started? For individuals interested in commercial projects, contact the staff
of the Aquaculture Development Program using the contact information
listed above. Staff would be happy to discuss your project ideas and
help you consider the feasibility of various approaches. A booklet
entitled, "Backyard Aquaculture in Hawaii" was written for the
beginning aquaculturist. The emphasis is on what plants and animals to
grow, and how to grow them with a minimum investment in land and
equipment. This practical manual, while dated, is available for sale
through Windward Community College. For cost and more information
contact: Windward Community College, Office of Community Services;
45-720 Keaahala Road, Kaneohe, HI 96744. Telephone: (808)
235-7433. 25. What is the outlook for aquaculture in Hawaii? Hawaii's commercial aquaculture sector has expanded from 13 farms in
1976 to 100 in 2003. Continued expansion with more species cultured and
substantial monies invested, is projected. Targeted sectors for greater
development based on the industry's track record to date are: 1) high
value seafood products for local consumption and export; 2) macroalgae
or seaweeds for food or specialty chemicals; 3) microalgae for health
foods or specialty chemicals; 4) year-round production of specific
pathogen-free broodstock and seedstock; 5) marine and freshwater
aquarium species for export; and 6) offshore and open ocean production
of fish and pearl oysters. Research and educational activities are also
expected to accelerate as new technological improvements are developed
to sustain the rapid expansion of the industry, and as increasing
numbers of trained people are needed in Hawaii and around the
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