Comprehensive Guide to Aquaculture: Species, Systems, and Global Trade

What is aquaculture?

The raising of aquatic organisms for direct human consumption and indirect uses such as feeding plants and animals.

What are some indirect uses of aquaculture?

Feeding plants and terrestrial animals, bait fish production, stock enhancement, and ornamental trade.

Which country is the leading exporter of farmed Atlantic salmon?

Norway

What are the major importers of seafood?

United States, China, and the European Union (including the UK).

What species dominate global seafood exports by monetary value?

Shrimp and salmon.

When did the domestication of aquatic animals begin?

About 10,000 years ago.

What is the trend in marine wild capture fisheries since the mid-1980s?

It has plateaued.

What is the approximate annual production of inland aquaculture?

55 million metric tons.

What percentage of aquaculture production comes from inland systems?

Approximately 50%.

What are subsistence net pens?

Small-scale, community-based aquaculture systems for local consumption.

What innovative system uses submerged net pen balls to reduce environmental impact?

Spherical mesh 'net pen balls' or aquapods.

What are recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS)?

Climate-controlled tanks with water filtration and recycling to minimize waste and disease risks.

What is a benefit of land-based salmon farming?

No risk of escaped fish surviving due to unsuitable local climate.

Which region is the U.S. hub for freshwater and marine ornamental fish production?

Lakeland, Central Florida.

What recent initiatives aim to boost domestic aquaculture production in the U.S.?

Executive orders and the establishment of Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOAs) by NOAA Fisheries.

What is the purpose of NOAA's Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOAs)?

To facilitate offshore aquaculture development.

What is the estimated increase in seafood protein demand by 2030?

40%.

What are some major aquacultured marine species?

Atlantic salmon, cobia, cod, flatfish, and tunas.

What are common freshwater ornamental species?

Angelfish, goldfish, guppies, and tetras.

What is the trend in inland wild capture fisheries?

It is slowly increasing.

What is a characteristic of marine ornamental fish production?

Most marine ornamental fish are wild-caught, with only a few species readily cultured.

What is the approximate annual production of marine aquaculture?

30 million metric tons.

What is the significance of the Gulf of Mexico in U.S. aquaculture?

It is a primary identified Aquaculture Opportunity Area (AOA).

What is the lifespan of offshore aquaculture pens and nets?

10-20 years for pens and 3-5 years for nets.