Myths about aquaculture dispelled
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) just concluded its celebration of a National Seafood Month, and during the final week of celebration NOAA closed out with a focus on aquaculture- specifically by addressing some commonly expressed myths about the industry, which according to NOAA is important for the long-term supply of safe sustainable seafood.
Over the next few days FishfarmingXpert will quote NOAA on some of these myths, the first being:
“The U.S. doesn’t need aquaculture”:
Aquaculture in the United States
Marine aquaculture in the United States contributes to seafood supply, supports commercial fisheries, enhances habitat and at-risk species, and maintains economic activity in coastal communities and at working waterfronts in every coastal state. The preponderance of marine aquaculture production – approximately two-thirds by value – consists of bivalve mollusks such as oysters, clams, and mussels. Salmon and shrimp constitute most of the rest, but advances in technology and management techniques are increasing the availability of other species for the American public. Aquaculture also supports commercial and recreational fisheries. About 40% of the salmon caught in Alaska and 80-90% in the Pacific Northwest start their lives in a hatchery - contributing over 270 million dollars to the commercial fishery.
Aquaculture is a tool for habitat and species restoration as well. Hatchery stock is used to rebuild oyster reefs, enhance wild fish populations, and rebuild threatened and endangered abalone and corals.
Globally, the U.S. is a minor aquaculture producer. Here are some visual representations of world aquaculture production, wold consumption of seafood, global values by country, and trade. A compelling case can be made for growing more seafood in the United States. Globally, the United States is the leading importer of fish and fishery products, with 91% of our seafood originating abroad – half of which is from aquaculture. Driven by imports, the U.S. seafood trade deficit has grown to over $11.2 billion (~€8.3 billion) annually. Although a small producer, the U.S. is a major player in global aquaculture, supplying a variety of advanced technology, feed, equipment, and investment to other producers around the world.
Outside the U.S.
In contrast to world capture fisheries production, which has essentially stagnated since the mid-1980s, aquaculture has maintained an annual growth rate of 8.3 percent worldwide, making in the fastest growing form of food production in the world. Global aquaculture production is dominated by Asia (89%), while China alone accounts for 62 percent.
Many other countries invest heavily in aquaculture. According to the 2012 United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization report on The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture, the United States ranks 15th in total aquaculture production behind China, India, Viet Nam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Norway, Thailand, Egypt, Chile, Myanmar, Philippines, Brazil, Japan, and South Korea.
The list of farmed species imported to the United States is dominated by shrimp, followed by Atlantic salmon, tilapia, and shellfish (scallops, mussels, clams, and oysters). Asian countries and Ecuador supply most of the shrimp to the U.S. market while Canada, Norway, and Chile supply most of the imported Atlantic salmon.
