Handout 1.1a What is Aquaculture? Aquaculture is the science of growing (cultivating) animal and vegetable life in water under controlled conditions. The science of aquaculture includes growing seaweed, frogs, oysters, and other seafood. Aquaculture differs from mariculture, which is the culture of marine organisms in their natural habitat. Countries around the world practice forms of aquaculture. These forms vary in the amount and degree of labor needed to manage cultivation. The following list contains a description of these practices ranked from the least labor-intensive to the most labor-intensive types of production. Transplantation a method that involves moving fish from poor regions to better growing areas and is practiced in the states of the former Soviet Union Stocking with hatchery-reared fish a practice used often in the United States and Canada Trapping in special enclosures and holding for weight gain a technique used to grow shrimp in the Malay Peninsula and to grow certain salt water fish in the Mediterranean countries Trapping in special enclosures to create a more fertile growing environment an operation used in southeast Asia with milk fish and shrimp Trapping and rearing with fertilization and feeding a labor-intensive method used often in tropical and subtropical areas Pond culture a method that includes both open pond and cage culture forms of cultivation and is practiced in the United States and Japan Seafood production a labor-intensive operation practiced in salt water areas to produce oysters and mussels Recirculating system a practice involving the control both of the environment and nutrition by monitoring and recycling water and nutrients
Handout 1.1b Why Cultivate Fish? Aquaculture production makes sense for a variety of reasons. 1. Fish serve as a healthy source of food. In recent years, research institutions have found an increase in the consumption of cereals, chicken, fish, and fruits and a decrease in the consumption of red meat and products with high fat and cholesterol. 2. Fish also serve as a source of income. For example, in 1995 U. S. gross farm revenues for catfish production exceeded $350 billion. 3. Fish can be raised in ponds. Obviously, catching fish in a pond is easier than attempting to catch them in streams, lakes, or rivers. A pond may be constructed wherever the soil, shape of the land, and water supply meet certain conditions. 4. Fish species, growth, and harvest can be controlled in a pond. Species The aquaculture farmer determines the type of fish to raise in the pond. A number of species that live in streams, lakes, and rivers are not desirable for cultivation. Growth The aquaculture farmer ensures that adequate food is available and affords protection from natural enemies. Harvest The aquaculture farmer controls the number and species of fish harvested at any time. The ability to control harvesting times also ensures a steady supply of fish available for the market. 9
Transparency 1.1a AQUACULTURE IN THE PAST Chinese silkworm farmers raised carp in ponds on their farms as early as 2698 B. C. Fan Lai, a Chinese fish farmer, wrote Fish Breeding in 475 B.C. It was the first written account of fish culture. The ancient Egyptians cultivated the tilapia fish. The Romans raised mullet and trout. They also introduced carp from Asia into Greece and Italy. John Taverner, an Englishman, wrote in the early 1600s about fish farming. Taverner described pond management for growing carp, pond construction, fertilization, and feeding methods. Hawaiians practiced forms of aquaculture as early as 400 A. D. They developed pond systems for freshwater fish and constructed seawall ponds for salt water fish.
Transparency 1.1b OVERVIEW OF THE AQUACULTURE INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES U.S. Aquaculture Industry Growth* Reports higher growth rate than any other agricultural industry in the United States Yields about $800 million per year, up from about $500 million a decade ago Produces more than 900 million pounds, up from less than 200 million pounds a decade ago U.S. Aquaculture Industry Magnitude Produces approximately 20 important species Sustains hundreds of related companies, such as fish feed producers and other providers of goods and services to fish and shellfish farmers Supports several national and international professional societies with memberships in the thousands Maintains 22 state and 6 national trade associations Benefits from research and extension education conducted in more than 30 states *Source: Virginia Aquaculture Plan, 1995, page xviii.
Transparency 1.1c THE VIRGINIA AQUACULTURE PLAN What does the plan contain? Overviews of species, facilities, regulations, etc. Current and potential production Industry opportunities Marketing and financial aspects of aquaculture Concerns and recommendations Resources and contacts Who developed the plan? Industry Government Support organizations Scientific community Editor: Dr. Scott H. Newton, Virginia State University Publisher: Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 15
Handout 1.2a Components of Aquaculture Production Worldwide Protein Production After milk and eggs, fish and shellfish rank first in the world in the production of protein for human consumption. As the world population increases, the demand for fish and shellfish is expected to increase. Further, limited access to salt water areas creates an important role for aquaculture in meeting the demand for fish and seafood. Meat Production Fish and shellfish rank 4th in the world in meat production, following (1) beef and veal, (2) pork, and (3) poultry. Fish and shellfish production claimed 5 percent of the total meat production figures in the mid 1970s. Since that time, production has increased to 10 percent while production in all other meat groups, with the exception of poultry, has declined. Aquatic Production Aquaculture is a growth industry (both in fresh and salt water) throughout the world. In 1988, total global production of all cultivated fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants totaled slightly over 24 billion pounds. 19
Handout 1.2b Global Facts and Figures Worldwide, nearly 25% of all fish and seafood produced for human consumption are grown in private or public aquaculture facilities. More than 90% of the world s fish and other aquatic organisms used to stock ponds and enhance natural waterways and estuaries are produced in private or public aquaculture facilities. Approximately 100 million metric tons of fish were produced around the world through aquaculture in 1992. In 1990, aquaculture production throughout the world was valued at $30 billion. Globally, aquaculture facilities produced 35 species of fish, plus a wide variety of shellfish and other marine organisms. With aquaculture activities increasing worldwide, changes in commercial fishery supplies and aquaculture products in our country can have profound effects upon those in others. Of the world s commercial fisheries, 6% are considered depleted and more than 80% are over-fished to varying degrees. Source: Virginia Aquaculture Plan, 1995, pages xvii-xviii. 21
Economic Trends in the Handout 1.2c U. S. Aquaculture Industry Catfish: Catfish production is the largest aquaculture enterprise in North America, accounting for 460 million pounds annually. Catfish ponds cover approximately 162,100 acres in 10 southern states. The catfish industry is a billion dollar industry in Mississippi, the state that produces 85% of catfish grown in the United States. U.S. catfish farm production was expected to set new records in 1996 and continue growing in 1997, although profits in 1996 suffered from flat prices and increased feed prices. Trout: Trout farms exist all over the United States, but Idaho, with water of high quality and constant temperature (50-60 o F), remains the major source of farm-raised trout. From August 1995 to August 1996, farm-raised rainbow trout sales fell 3%. Crawfish: Crawfish producers double-crop rice and crawfish on 125,000 acres in Louisiana, Texas, Florida, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Since rice plants are a natural crawfish food, crawfish production for farmers in these areas is a low overhead business. Farmers may make up to $400 an acre profit. Imports of Chinese crawfish to the United States dropped in 1996 as the result of anti-dumping charges leveled by Americans against Chinese shippers. Minnows: Minnow production is an aquaculture specialty area. Arkansas leads all states in baitfish production with annual sales of more than $20 million. Tropical Fish: Another aquaculture specialty area is the production of tropical fish. Florida farmers, using 20,000 ponds to cultivate tropical fish, supply 95% of all tropical fish in the United States. Raising tropical fish is one of the most popular hobbies in the nation. Tilapia: A relative newcomer to this country, the growing U.S. tilapia industry produced an estimated 9 million pounds in 1993 and close to 19 million pounds in 1996. California leads the nation in production of this warmwater fish, with most farms located in the western and southern states. The U.S. tilapia industry reports growth in imports, farm production, and sales. Source: Aquaculture Outlook (October 8, 1996) and Water Farming Journal (October 18, 1996).
Handout 1.2d Aquaculture Resources in Virginia Approximately 60,000 farm ponds exist in Virginia. Many of these ponds are suitable for growing fish. An estimated 100 pounds of fish per acre per year could be produced in these ponds, generating a yield of at least 1.7 million pounds of fish. Virginia State University began aquaculture research in 1985. The university has constructed 37 ponds to conduct research studies on hybrid striped bass, rainbow trout, and catfish. 25
Handout 1.2e ECONOMIC TRENDS IN THE Virginia AQUACULTURE INDUSTRY Economic Trends in Virginia Aquaculture The 1995 Virginia Aquaculture Survey Report presents a very optimistic outlook for the Virginia freshwater aquaculture industry. In 1995, Virginia freshwater sales were up 84% over 1993 sales. The state s freshwater sales were projected to increase by 37% in 1996. Tilapia is becoming the leading fish in Virginia freshwater facilities. In 1996 tilapia sales were expected to exceed all other freshwater sales combined, and tilapia production was expected to surpass that of freshwater trout. Rainbow trout have dominated freshwater fish sales in Virginia for nearly a decade, averaging more than 1 million pounds annually since 1988. Trout production remains a stable growth enterprise with gross sales of $2.3 million in 1993 and in 1995; a 6% increase was projected for 1996. Catfish production was down in 1995, but gross sales were about the same in 1993 and 1995, at $32,896 and $33,035, respectively. Hybrid striped bass production was down in 1995, but the 1996 projection is for a 245% increase over the $41,986 sales in 1995. 27
Transparency 1.2a U.S. CATFISH PRODUCTION: A GROWTH INDUSTRY Surface Acres of Water in U.S. Commercial Catfish Production* Year Acres of Water 1986 113,753 1996 162,100 Catfish Production in the United States Year Number of Pounds 1988 350 million 1996 460 million Projected Growth of the U.S. Industry In October 1996, Water Farming Journal predicted that catfish production would continue its growth in 1997, citing strong 1996 farm prices increases in pond acreage higher inventories of fish. *Based on data for 4 major catfish producing states: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi
AQUACULTURE IN VIRGINIA: GEOGRAPHICAL AND MARKET FACTORS Transparency 1.2b The aquaculture industry in Virginia benefits from the state s strategic location: Situated in the mid-atlantic region Located within 750 miles of 60% of the nation s population Virginia s three geographic regions all hold potential for aquaculture: Mountain Piedmont Coastal Plain Virginia aquaculture varies from region to region: Climate Water supply Other natural resources A further factor affecting location of aquaculture facililties in Virginia is local access to essential elements: Seedstock Supplies Feed Markets Source: Virginia Aquaculture Plan, 1995, page xix.
Transparency 1.2c AQUACULTURE IN THE FUTURE Future research priorities for worldwide commercial aquaculture standardizing breeding technologies developing health management strategies identifying hatchery populations through DNA using technique of freezing to preserve gametes in laboratories Trends expected to bring increased interest in the aquaculture industry worldwide Decline of commercial fisheries stocks Overfishing and pollution of oceans Increased demand for food to meet needs of growing world population Other factors involved in future expansion of the aquaculture industry Advanced technology Economic competition among nations Increased government regulation of aquaculture activities Source: Virginia Aquaculture Plan, 1995, pages xvii-xviii.