Aquaculture
Aquaculture is the general term used to describe the breeding and rearing of aquatic animals and plants in controlled or selected environments. Aquaculture can provide fish for:
- bait
- ornamental use
- stocking and
- food for other fish or people
It can also reduce dependence on wild harvested populations.
Aquaculture in the Great Lakes Region has not met expectations because of problems associated with climate, production technologies, selecting appropriate species, marketing, competition from outside the region, and business planning.
Aquaculture can also have negative environmental impacts from effluent release, escape of culture organisms, use of natural waters, disease, invasive species spread, and from genetically modified organisms. One of Sea Grant’s challenges is to develop and promote environmentally acceptable and economically viable aquaculture techniques, especially for the Great Lakes Region.
Featured Articles
- Federal Order about Fish Virus Disrupts Industry, Agencies, and Anglers
- Fish management and fish farming in the Great Lakes has received a significant one-two punch.
- Fish Farming – Is it for You?
- If you are considering fish farming, this checklist can help you determine whether a fish farming enterprise is feasible for your particular situation.
- Choosing an Organizational Structure for Your Aquaculture Business
- There are approximately 2.3 million farms in the United States, regardless of size, all farms are a form of business and can be organized or structured in several ways.
- Walleye Culture in Minnesota
- Walleye is indisputably the king fish of the north. No other species elicits as much passion from the avid angler, or is more sought after.
- Crayfish Aquaculture Demonstration in Minnesota Rice Paddies
- Crayfish culture is the largest aquaculture industry in the United States in acreage, and is second only to catfish in total production.
Featured Initiatives
- Aquatic Invasive Species – Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (AIS-HACCP) is a method to help prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species via aquaculture, fish stocking, wild baitfish harvest and resource management, research, and enforcement activities.
See Also
- Fish
- More information on fish, fishing, fish preparation and health issues related to eating fish.
Jeff Gunderson
