Raising shrimp not only a coastal activity

Tor-Eddie Fossbakk In the United States shrimp are grown in several states located far from either the Pacific or the Atlantic oceans. One example is the state of Ohio, which is more than 700 kilometers from the closest ocean, and where the shrimp farming industry is growing rapidly. The only hatchery in Ohio, the Calala’s Water Haven in Huron County, has sold more than 400,000 juvenile shrimp to about 30 shrimp farms throughout the state this year, according to a local newspaper. This is an increase of about 100,000 juveniles compared to last year for this hatchery alone. The shrimp farmers are capitalizing on the decision to allow farming of nonindigenous shrimp in Ohio seven years ago. Also, American’s ever increasing consumption of shrimp as well as a growing interest in buying locally grown food is fueling the industry’s growth. The latest problems with imported seafood, especially from China, may also be a contributor. Some people claim that freshwater shrimp taste different than wild caught ocean (saltwater) shrimp, and tastes more like lobster. Picture: Basket of freshwater shrimp