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The Status and Potential
of Aquaculture in the United States: July 1993 ISSN: 1052-5378 United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Library 10301 Baltimore Blvd. Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2351 National Agricultural Library Cataloging Record: Preface The intent of this publication is to provide interested individuals with a statistical overview of the current status and future outlook of aquaculture in the United States. Information contained in the narrative overview of this publication was gathered, in part, from the following sources: "Aquaculture: Situation and Outlook Report," produced by the Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; "Aquaculture in the United States: Status, Opportunities, and Recommendations," compiled in May 1992 by the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture in a report to the Federal Coordinating Council on Science, Engineering, and Technology; and "Fisheries of the United States, 1991," produced by the National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Department of Commerce. Additional sources were consulted for accuracy of data and textual content. Several computerized databases were searched for citations to the literature. Selected citations are listed in this bibliography. Most citations date from 1989 to 1993 and are arranged alphabetically by the author's surname. Databases accessed for relevant citations include: 1) ASFA (Aquatic Scienes and Fisheries Abstracts) database, produced under contract to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations by Cambridge Scientific Abstracts for a consortium of United Nations agencies and cooperating member states; and 2) AGRICOLA (AGRICultural OnLine Access), an agricultural database produced by the National Agricultural Library. In addition, a limited number of selected books and articles not found in these databases were included in the bibliography. In addition, the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture, a Federal Government-wide coordinating body of 23 agency representatives, has established an "Aquaculture Statistical & Economic Analysis Task Force." This task force held an organizational meeting on September 24, 1992 in Washington, DC, represented by individuals from the government and industry sectors. This group will play a future key role in the coordination of existing statistical "collecting and reporting programs" in aquaculture. FOR INFORMATION REGARDING LENDING SERVICES, please consult the information sheet in this publication entitled, "Document Delivery Services to Individuals." Acknowledgments Special appreciation is expressed to David Harvey of the Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Jim Meehan of the National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, for peer reviewing the accompanying text for accuracy of data prior to its printing. Dr. Henry Parker, Director, Office of Aquaculture, Cooperative State Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture is acknowledged for the use of information supplied in the JSA report to the Federal Coordinating Council on Science, Engineering, and Technology. Deborah T. Hanfman Coordinator Aquaculture Information Center National Agricultural Library Room 304 Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2351 July 1993 The Status and Potential of Aquaculture in the United States: An Overview and Bibliography Background Aquaculture is the fastest growing segment of agriculture in the United States. Although the farming of aquatic plants and animals was practiced prior to 2000 BC in China, it was not until the early 1870's that aquaculture began taking roots in the United States. Trout farming is considered the oldest farming industry in the United States and began as a way to replenish wild stock in streams and lakes. In the 1930's, President Franklin D. Rosevelt established a "Farm Pond" program. This program provided government assistance to farmers in the construction and stocking of ponds with fish to increase their income. Over the past twelve years, aquaculture has shown considerable growth. In 1980, aquaculture production was 203 million pounds with a farm gate value of $192 million. By 1990, these numbers more than quadrupled with production reaching 860 million pounds with a farm gate value of over $760 million (a four-fold increase since 1980). In 1991, U.S. aquaculture had a farm gate value of $880 million. This accounts for an economic impact of over $8 million annually and the creation of nearly 300,000 aquaculture-related jobs. Yet, despite this significant growth, domestic aquaculture only supplies 10-15 percent of U.S. seafood needs. Much of the aquaculture expansion is driven by an increased demand for fisheries products and reduced yields from traditional fisheries landings. During the 1980's, U.S. im- ports of fisheries products more than doubled to $9.6 billion, resulting in a substantial trade deficit of $4.9 billion in 1989. After Japan, the United States is the second largest importer of seafood products. In 1990, more than $9 billion worth of imported fish and shellfish were imported, $800 million of which was farm-raised. The U.S. Congress declared the following in the National Aqua- culture Act of 1980: "...aquaculture has the potential for reducing the United States trade deficit in fisheries products, for augmenting existing commercial and recreational fisheries, and for producing other renewable resources, thereby assisting the United States in meeting its future food needs and contributing to the solution of world resource problems." Today, interest in aquaculture continues to grow. U.S. fish farms cultivate approximately 30 different species of fish and shellfish. There has also been an increase in aquatic plant culture in the United States which has value in the food, drug, and cosmetic industries. American aquaculture will help satisfy seafood demand, provide an alternative agricultural opportunity, provide jobs for displaced commercial fishermen and the rural community, and reduce the trade deficit. Seafood Consumption Over the years, consumers have shown an increased demand for fish and shellfish in the United States. The U.S. per capita consumption of seafood has risen from 12.5 pounds of edible meat in 1980 to 15 pounds of edible meat in 1993, a 20 percent increase. This is due, in part, to the growing interest by Americans in the health and dietary benefits of seafood. The aquaculture industry strives to provide Americans with high quality, fresh, dependable, and nutritious seafood products. The majority of 1991 sales were for fresh and froz- en seafoods vs. canned and cured (salted, pickled, dried) fishery products. One example is fresh or frozen shrimp which rose from 0.2 pound per person in 1990 to 2.4 pounds per person in 1991. Much of this growth was supplied by farm-raised shrimp. The Department of Commerce has projected that U.S. consumption of seafood could increase by 30 percent by the year 2000, requiring an additional demand of one billion pounds annually. If this expansion occurs, greater domestic aquaculture production will be required to help satisfy consumers' demand for seafood. In coordination with industry, the Federal government places strong emphasis on quality assurance of aquaculture products. The Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture, a Federal Government-wide coordinating body of 23 representatives of 12 Departments or agencies, established a Working Group on Qual- ity Assurance in Aquaculture Production in 1990. This group consists of government and industry representatives and addresses quality assurance issues in aquaculture, including the use of drugs and chemicals in aquaculture production. These efforts will continue to ensure quality of U.S. aquaculture products for the consumer. Farmed Species Overview About 12 to 14 percent of the seafood we consume today is farm-raised. According to USDA, this figure should double within 10 years. About one-half of the U.S. aquaculture is catfish, but over 30 species are cultured in the nation today. Crawfish is the second largest domestically produced aqua- culture species on a quantity basis. On a value basis, crawfish ranks third, behind catfish and trout. Marine aquaculture makes up approximately 20 percent of U.S. aquaculture. Marine aquaculture in the United States is dominated by salmon and oyster culture, which represents about 80 percent of the total. Other species that make up the remaining 20 percent are clams, mussels, and shrimp. Abalone, red drum, scallops, and striped bass are also being commercially produced to a lesser degree. CATFISH. Catfish farming originated in the southeastern United States in the late 1950's. It is the largest aquaculture industry in the United States. Today, about half of total U.S aquaculture production comes from the catfish industry. Advances in production technologies in the areas of genetic improvements, feeds, aeration, and new strategies to control diseases and off-flavor will continue to help boost the growth of this industry. Between 1975-1991, catfish pro- duction increased more than 2,400 percent, transforming the catfish industry into a major force in the domestic seafood market. Since 1991, production has continued to grow, with an expansion in 1992 of almost 20 percent. Mississippi is the focal point of the U.S. catfish industry and accounted for over 70 percent of total sales. In 1992, catfish sales to processing plants totaled 457.4 million pounds, a jump of 17 percent from the previous year. In the first quarter alone, over 120 million pounds were pro- cessed, more than was processed in all of 1982. The large increase in sales can be attributed chiefly to low farm-level from the end of 1991 through the first half of 1992, as growers worked off excess inventories. Much of the decline in the farm-level price was passed through in the form of lower wholesale prices, which in turn spurred higher sales. Farm-level catfish prices fell five percent to average just under 60 cents a pound for 1992-- the lowest annual average since 1982. However, prices began to strengthen in the second half of the year. Farm prices should continue to move upward during 1993 in response to lower available supplies. As of January 1, 1993, results of a National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) grower survey reported that there were 1,527 catfish growers in the United States. The area used in catfish ponds was 151,860 acres. The states of Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Louisiana account for over 90 percent of this acreage. CRAWFISH. Crawfish are found naturally throughout the continental United States, but are currently commercially grown in only a few states. The red swamp crawfish, Pro- cambarus clarkii, and the white river crawfish, Procambarus acutus acutus, are two species of commercial importance in the United States. The red swamp crawfish is the primary species cultured because it produces more consistent yields and is more valued in international and southern United States markets. In the southern United States, there are more than 140,000 acres of crawfish ponds. Most of the acreage is in southern Louisiana with a small production area in southeastern Texas. Production averages 500 pounds per acre but can reach around 4,000 pounds per acre. From 1988 to 1990, crawfish production rose from 62.9 million pounds to 70.7 million. Growers' sales in 1990 were valued at $34 million. During 1992, the crawfish industry exported 7.3 million pounds, 13 percent more than in 1991. The exports were valued at $14.8 million. HYBRID STRIPED BASS. Although the government does not provide production statistics for hybrid striped bass (HSB), the Striped Bass Growers' Association (SBGA) estimated U.S. production to be 1.4 million pounds (live-weight) in 1990 and 3.4-3.7 million pounds in 1991. Production estimates for 1992 are higher at approximately five million pounds. The most commonly cultured HSB is a cross between a female striped bass (Morone saxatilis) and a male white bass (Morone chrysops). As production continues to grow, there is a concomitant need to develop new markets throughout the United States beyond the traditional northeastern whole fish markets to avoid a decline in food market prices. There is no direct competition from production in foreign countries, which currently have no ready markets. The small size of the wild catch of striped bass has helped support the continued growth of the hybrid striped bass industry. MOLLUSKS. Washington State is probably the nation's largest producer of farmed-raised mollusks. In 1990, oyster production (Crassostrea gigas) was about eight million pounds and valued at $17.3 million. Also in 1990, Washington growers reported production of 3.4 million pounds of Manila clams (Tapes philippinarum) valued at $5 million. Washington farmers also produced almost 590,000 pounds of mussels (Mytilus edulis) valued at $800,000. Other States also have farm-raised mollusk industries although the reporting of production is spotty. On the East and Gulf coasts, oyster production is chiefly the American oyster (Crassostrea virginica). Florida growers reported sales of $1.4 million in 1991, while Maryland growers reported sales of 12,430 bushels. In various areas along the East coast, there are hard clam farms. Florida clam farmers reported sales of $1.2 million in 1991. SALMON. The domestic farm-raised salmon industry faces strong competition from domestic wild catch as well as foreign wild catch and farm-raised product. Farm-raised salmon primarily consists of Atlantic, coho, and chinook. Atlantic salmon is becoming the predominant species raised in the United States because, in a culture situation, it has some advantages over other species. In 1992, production of U.S. farm-raised salmon was estimated at 19 million pounds (live-weight). This represents a large increase from 1991, as production in Maine rose to 13 million pounds in 1992, up considerably from the previous year. The U.S. farm-raised salmon industry is greatly influenced by foreign competition. In 1992, fresh farm-raised Atlantic salmon imports totaled $127 million, up 17 percent from a year earlier. Canada and Chile were the dominant suppliers, each country accounting for over 90 percent of imports. SHRIMP. During the 1980's, foreign production of farm-raised shrimp increased dramatically, making aquaculture a major force in the shrimp industry. In 1991, world production of marine shrimp was approximately 1.5 billion pounds. The largest expansion has been in China, Thailand, Ecuador, and Indonesia. In the United States, there is a great deal of enthusiasm in shrimp culture due to the commercial success in other countries. In 1992, U.S. production of farm-raised marine shrimp was about 4.4 million pounds (live-weight). Growers in Hawaii, Texas, and South Carolina have developed viable pro- duction systems. Production of disease-free broodstock and post larvae may be an important new market for the U.S. shrimp industry. Many major producing countries have had problems with disease outbreaks. The use of certified disease-free shrimp could increase production efficiency through improved feed conversion rates and lowered mortality. TILAPIA. Production of tilapia in the United States has continued to grow, reaching approximately nine million pounds (live-weight) in 1992, according to the American Tilapia Grow- ers Association. Its history as a food fish dates back to around 2,000 BC. Tilapia has been grown commercially in Africa and Asia for local consumption. In 1991, more than nine million pounds of tilapia were imported into the United States through southern California. Since tilapia culture requires warm water, outdoor production in the United States is limited to those states that are climatically suitable. In other areas, tilapia production takes place indoors through tank systems. By expanding the use of indoor systems, tilapia production could expand in areas closer to major markets. An advantage to U.S. growers would be the provision of fresh and live tilapia in contrast to frozen imports. TROUT. The 1992 USDA annual survey of 461 trout operations over a one-year period (September 1, 1991-August 31, 1992) showed sales at $67.0 million, down 4 percent from 1991. Idaho is the largest producer, with sales in 1992 at $28.5 million. Production in this State is expected to continue at a steady pace with fairly stable prices for food-size fish. Pennsylvania's growers had the second highest sales with $6.4 million, up 54 percent from the previous year. Sales in Washington, North Carolina, and California all totaled between $5.3 and $5.9. Future expansion of the trout industry outside of Idaho is dependent upon the availability of adequate water supplies. Outlook for the United States The importance of aquaculture has increased dramatically in the United States. This can be seen by the four-fold increase in aquaculture production from 1980-1990, the creation of nearly 300,000 jobs in 1991, and the 20 percent increase in per capita consumption of fish and shellfish in the 1980's to 15 pounds today. Domestic aquaculture provides opportunity for alternative agriculture, helps reduce the trade deficit, and helps satisfy the continued demand for seafood. The U.S. Department of Commerce estimated that by the year 2000, an additional one billion pounds of seafood would be required to satisfy demand. The trend for production of edible and non-edible products is growing fast and expected to continue in the future. Changing consumer preferences for seafood products and the prices of farm-raised products relative to wild-caught products may be major factors in the future growth of aquaculture. There is significant potential for marine aquaculture in the United States. In 1990, culture of marine species accounted for approximately 20 percent of the U.S. aquaculture production and value. The Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and Interior, and the National Science Foundation continue to annually support research and development, education, information, and conservation programs in marine aquaculture. According to the Federal Coordinating Council on Science, Engineering, and Technology (February 1992), there is a significant U.S. market for extracts derived from marine algae, such agar, algenic acid, or carrageenan. Growth of the domestic aquaculture industry in the 1990's will be affected by a variety of issues including: 1) public perception of seafood safety; 2) changing industry structure for production and marketing; 3) emergence of new aquaculture species in the United States and abroad; and 4) increasing competition from foreign producers and domestic competitors. With continued emphasis on quality assurance, good marketing practices, education and information programs, aquaculture management, land availability, high-quality water, new production technologies, and genetic improvement, the future of aquaculture in the U.S. looks bright!
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